Throughout history students around the world have been introduced to European artists and art movements. During this Black History Month, we want to dive deeper into the profound influence African American artists have on art and culture in Washington, D.C. Alma Thomas, Lois Mailou Jones, Hilda Wilkinson Brown, and Lilian Thomas Burwell each made their own undeniable contributions to art in the District and throughout the country.
Our first spotlight is on artist Alma Thomas (1891-1978), Howard University’s first fine arts graduate. Thomas is known for her bright and vibrant abstract paintings depicting naturescapes and starscapes. Her painting Red Abstraction (c.1960) perfectly encapsulates the vibrance Thomas was known for. This oil painting features dynamic shapes, vibrant red hues, and energetic movement that leave the audience feeling alive. She paved the way for artists to come by becoming the first African American woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Her legacy will hold a place in D.C. history as a significant trailblazer and major contributor to contemporary art and African American women in the arts.
Alma Thomas, Red Abstraction (1959), Oil on Canvas
Our next artist is Lois Mailou Jones (1905-1998), a professor at Howard University. Jones traveled extensively researching and drawing inspiration from her African and Caribbean heritage. She worked in many different mediums, however she mainly focused on painting and textile design that emphasized her inspiration from her African heritage and cultural pride. Initiation, Liberia (c.1983) combined her passions to create a moving and thought provoking acrylic on canvas painting that comments on the rights and roles of women in Liberia. Lois Mailou Jones will hold an important role in art history as she was a pioneer in promoting the use of African textiles and patterns in art in not only Washington but throughout the United States.
Lois Mailou Jones, Initiation, Liberia (1983), Acrylic on canvas
Hilda Wilkinson Brown (1894-1981) was a native Washingtonian who advocated for art education within the DC education system. Her art primarily focused on realistic depictions of life as an African American living in Washington DC. One of her most famous pieces being Third and Rhode Island (c.1930-1940) which is a beautiful oil on canvas painting depicting the historically significant residential DC neighborhood and emphasizing its vibrant community dynamics and cultural intersections. Her legacy will always be remembered through her powerful art and her significant role in fostering local art education.
Hilda Wilkinson Brown, Third and Rhode Island (1930-1940), Oil on canvas
Last but certainly not least is Lilian Thomas Burwell (b.1927), also from Washington DC, is known for her ability to combine sculpture and painting to create dynamic works influenced by the natural world. Her work Snowbird (c.1983) is an acrylic on canvas painting utilizing various hues on pinks, reds, purples, greys, and browns that create a depth and dynamic unlike most other work. Burwell uses her art to advocate for environmental and spiritual awareness by creating abstract pieces in organic forms inspired by nature and spirituality.
Lilian Thomas Burwell, Snowbird (1983), Acrylic on canvas
This Black History Month, as we celebrate the achievements of Alma Thomas, Lois Mailou Jones, Hilda Wilkinson Brown, and Lilian Thomas Burwell, we honor their resilience, innovation, and lasting impact on the art world. These trailblazers not only enriched the cultural tapestry of Washington, D.C., but also elevated African American art to new heights, inspiring future generations to embrace their heritage and creative potential.
If you are interested in these artists and their work, head to our February Pinterest board linked below that has additional works by these artists and many other Black artists!
Sources
“Alma Thomas.” Smithsonian American Art Museum, americanart.si.edu/artist/alma-thomas-4778. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
“Loïs Mailou Jones: Artist Profile.” National Museum of Women in the Arts, 8 Mar. 2021, nmwa.org/art/artists/lois-mailou-jones/.
“Hilda Wilkinson Brown.” Smithsonian American Art Museum, americanart.si.edu/artist/hilda-wilkinson-brown-29920. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
“Lilian Thomas Burwell.” Photo of Lilian, www.burwellstudios.com/. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Google Arts & Culture, Google, artsandculture.google.com/. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Written by Emma Sapp, Gallery Associate