Black Art: In the Absence of Light

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Black Art: In the Absence of Light

2021

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

11 Reviews

62%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Inspired by the late David Driskell's landmark 1976 exhibition, "Two Centuries of Black American Art," the documentary Black Art: In the Absence of Light offers an illuminating introduction to the work of some of the foremost Black visual artists working today.

Peter Keough

Boston Globe

02/09/2021

This is an essential and revelatory glimpse at the accomplishments of today's Black artists.

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Sebastian Smee

Washington Post

02/09/2021

The most compelling moments of "Black Art" put us in the company of artists, usually in their studios, sometimes installing works in exhibitions or fielding questions from small kids at openings.

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Brian P. Kelly

Wall Street Journal

02/09/2021

The film never dips into saccharine platitudes, and it is unafraid to examine the defects within artistic movements that, while fighting for racial justice, had their own blindspots.

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Seph Rodney

Hyperallergic

03/22/2021

Unwittingly demonstrates what a community gives up when it strives toward the mainstream.

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Wade Major

FilmWeek (LAist)

02/13/2021

Absolutely one of the best documentaries I've ever seen about art... Superb.

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Roger Catlin

rogercatlin.com

02/12/2021

It's both a comprehensive overview and a visual delight at a time when museums are still shuttered.

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02/22/2021

An invaluable introduction to works by the likes of Kara Walker, Faith Ringgold, and Kerry James Marshall, even if it really loses something when it becomes paean to the wealthy collector class.

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Sam Pollard

Director

Theaster Gates

Actor

Kerry James Marshall

Actor

Faith Ringgold

Actor

Amy Sherald

Actor

Carrie Mae Weems

Actor

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Synopsis

Inspired by the late David Driskell's landmark 1976 exhibition, "Two Centuries of Black American Art," the documentary Black Art: In the Absence of Light offers an illuminating introduction to the work of some of the foremost Black visual artists working today.

Director: Sam Pollard
Producer: Sam Pollard, Daphne McWilliams
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 9, 2021