HBO Max: “Black Art In the Absence Of Light”

Summary

"Black Art In the Absence Of Light" is a documentary on HBO Max that explores the contributions and struggles of Black artists in America, highlighting their impact on the true American narrative despite historical neglect.

Abstract

The HBO Max documentary "Black Art In the Absence Of Light" offers an insightful look at the evolution and significance of Black art in America. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sam Pollard, the film delves into the overlooked history of Black artists and their work, emphasizing the importance of consistent recognition and support. It features prominent figures such as Theaster Gates and the late David Driskell, whose 1976 exhibition "Two Centuries Of Black American Art" played a pivotal role in bringing Black art into the public eye. The documentary not only showcases the resilience and innovation of Black artists but also challenges viewers to consider the authenticity of art created without the spotlight of public approval. It serves as a testament to the cutting-edge nature of Black art and its essential role in telling the American story.

Opinions

The film is praised for its exceptional quality, not only in the art presented but also in its production.
Theaster Gates' perspective is central to the film's theme, advocating for Black artists to create authentically, regardless of public attention or trends.
Sam Pollard's extensive experience in documentary filmmaking, including work on "Eyes on the Prize" and Spike Lee's "Four Little Girls," lends credibility and depth to the documentary.
The documentary underscores the historical ignorance towards Black art in America and the need for its acknowledgment beyond fleeting moments of public interest.
The film highlights the groundbreaking impact of David Driskell's 1976 exhibition and his role in promoting Black artists and their work across the country.
The narrative is driven by the artists themselves, who share their experiences and the challenges they face in the art world.
The documentary features a roster of influential Black artists, including Radcliffe Bailey, Sanford Biggers, Jordan Casteel, and many others, who have significantly contributed to contemporary art.
The film is recommended for its educational value and its ability to engage viewers, even those who may not have a prior interest in art.

Amazing Black Art For the Quarantine & After

HBO Film Poster

I was astonished how good HBOMax’s “Black Art In the Absence Of Light” was when I recently viewed it. Not just the art presented, the artists, but also the production.

Sam Pollard, the creator of the film, is a long time documentarian in film, with a slew of high credits including work on Eyes on the Prize, Spike Lee’s Four Little Girls, and Mr. Soul.

It’s title, “Black Art In the Absence Of Light,” can be traced to comments by Theaster Gates, of Chicago, an artist who appears in the film. Gates, who has taken art in that city to a completely new level, presents a new way of Black artists and Black art creation.

He asserts that if Black art is not acknowledged when it is just going out its regular, daily creative rhythms, he would rather just do art without the focus of the larger public.

He is saying, in a sense, do not just come and try to pay attention when it is cool or chic to pay attention to Black art. Pay attention and support Black art always. He is not concerned with the wider public caring about what Black artist do or not do.

He is also suggesting to Black artists today, all types, visual artists, filmmakers, writers, poets, and others, to make art that is true to their vision and not the vision of those who only come shine the light when it is publicly acceptable.

The film’s great strength is demonstrating how much Black art is and has been ignored in American history and despite that, the art produced by Black artists remains cutting edge and informative of a true American narrative.

David Driskell, the late artist, and long time distinguished professor at the University of Maryland, is the key figure in the film. In 1976, Driskell curated a show of Black art and artists at the Los Angeles County Museum. Until that point, Black art existed in the dark, so to speak, as Gates suggests.

The groundbreaking exhibition was called Two Centuries Of Black American Art. Eventually, the exhibition would travel to other museums and Driskell promoted the art and the artists around the country. It is not a well known moment but it is highly important and essential to understanding real history in the U.S.

Atlanta Daily World

The film thereafter commences to explain and document the great art being created by Black artist today and some of the main players. Overall, it sums up the question asked in the film by Theaster Gates — “Are you Willing To Create In The Absence Of Light?”

Henry Louis Gates has a prominent creative role in the film but mostly the artists drive the narrative and explain the struggle of the Black artist and now the success of a few of these artists in a big way.

Among those appearing in the film include the following artists:

This dynamic film is worth your time more than once even if you aren’t into art.