| | February is Black History Month. This is a time to focus pointedly on learning about and celebrating the contributions of Black artists and their communities, and also to think critically about the museums’ role in building a more equitable future.
We are excited to bring you a thought-provoking discussion that considers how historical photography—sometimes with disturbing imagery that lays bare racist ideologies—can be deeply troubling to contemporary viewers. We hope to see you at this virtual program, and many others, as we continue to delve deeper into stories that have profound implications for today.
This week on Harvard Art Museums from Home: In the next Ho Family Student Guide Tour, on Saturday, February 13, explore the vibrant colors of Picasso, a 17th-century painting from India, and Rothko. On Tuesday, February 16, while the glow of Valentine’s Day still lingers, check out this live Art Talk on James VanDerZee’s wedding photography. Check out the pottery and sculpture of 19th-century Black artists David Drake and Edmonia Lewis on Thursday, February 18. Don’t forget to register for the upcoming Art Study Center Seminar about the sculpture Prince Shōtoku on Friday, February 19. On Saturday, February 20, examine how photography was used as a tool to promote ideas of racial justice in the years during and around the American Civil War. Register for a conversation on Friday, February 26 between curators Mark Sealy, David Odo, Makeda Best, and Ilisa Barbash about the ethics of photography and the challenges related to collections that include photographs of colonial violence, enslaved subjects, racist stereotypes, or other difficult imagery. Presented in partnership with the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology and the Harvard Museums of Science and Culture. If you missed the live Art Talk about how the Roma people were depicted in the 17th-century Netherlands and the realities of their lives, a recording is now up on the website. Get immersed in our virtual Google Arts & Culture tour of Painting Edo and lose yourself in the rich visual culture of Japan’s early modern era. |
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| Image:(from left): Mark Sealy, courtesy of Steve Pyke; Ilisa Barbash, courtesy of Kris Snibbe/Harvard Gazette; David Odo, courtesy of Matthew Monteith; and Makeda Best, courtesy of Unique Nicole. | | |
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