It is incredibly important — always, but especially in this moment — to amplify the voices, perspectives, and talents of black and brown artists. Below, we’ve highlighted eight visual artists who are creating fantastic content for fandom, activism, and more.
But this is just a starting point, and barely even that. You can seek out and support additional black artists in so many ways. Twitter user and artist @Faerierune started this thread for black artists to share their work, the Instagram account @shelovesblackart showcases historic and contemporary black artists daily, and the #DrawingWhileBlack directory highlights hundreds of black visual artists and provides their contact information for freelance opportunities.
Many of these artists have created and shared powerful messages regarding the #BlackLivesMatter movement, but remember to *never* repost a piece of work on your personal account without permission and without overtly crediting the artist.
DANIELLE COKE
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAtDsy9lM9K/
Coke creates colorful, sharable illustrations to help break down topics such as white privilege, systemic racism, and what white people can do to be effective allies.
Buy art (note – the prints are sold out at this time, but a restock is coming)
KIANA MAI
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-z8H3AAdpT/
This popular young illustrator works for Disney Television Animation. Her Instagram feed is full of fan art and original illustrations.
NINAÂ
View this post on Instagram
Nina is a freelance illustrator and colorist who creates fandom art, original cartoons, and commissions. She also sells her work on Etsy as stickers, buttons, keychains, and prints.
RASHAD DOUCET
View this post on Instagram
Rashad Doucet is an Eisner-winning comic book creator and a self-described toy enthusiast. He even co-created a children’s book (pictured above) called Jeremiah Justice Saves the Day, which tells the story of a superhero kid who focuses his power through the tracheostomy tube in his neck.
NUWARHOL
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA62y2IhnQF/
Nuwarhol’s colorful, pop art- and street art-inspired works often feature popular black musicians, athletes, and celebrities. Based in NYC, he sells his canvas prints directly and through Big Wall Decor.
JOSE HOLDERÂ
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-0g0cnhIw7/
Jose Holder legit does it all. He is a writer, producer, comic book artist, storyboard artist, and more. He has worked for WB, Ubisoft, Universal, Fox, Marvel, IDW, Boom!, and he shares both his current projects and throwback art on Instagram.
LATASHA DUNSTON
View this post on Instagram
Under the brand name Jitterbug Art Studio, Dunston creates and sells illustrations that primarily focus on nature and the environment. The design pictured above is for a collaboration with Kula Cloth. All proceeds from the cloth will go to five organizations chosen by Duston and Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge’s Teresa Baker.
KENTURAH DAVIS
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAuWN9Yl-pB/
Davis creates incredibly unique work by using a variety of materials, such as rubber stamps, to create portraiture. Look closely, and you will see that many of her works are created from words. Her work has been displayed at the SCAD Museum of Art and will be on permanent display in the LA Metro.
Who are some of your favorite black artists? Please share in the comments below.
