Historic Art Exhibition Spotlights Rising Recognition of Black Women Sculptors in Modern Museums

The art world is witnessing a pivotal shift in its recognition of African American artists, particularly women sculptors who have shaped American cultural heritage. Recent studies indicate that while Black artists represented only 1.9% of global auction sales between 2008 and 2022, there is a growing movement to correct historical imbalances in museum collections and celebrations of artistic legacy.

Groundbreaking Exhibition Honours Pioneering Legacy

The Phillips’ Mill Community Association in New Hope, Pennsylvania, is leading this cultural evolution with a remarkable exhibition that celebrates the enduring influence of one of America’s most significant 20th-century sculptors. Opening 31 May 2025, The Selma Burke Invitational African American Art Show will showcase more than 60 works by artists who were mentored by or drew inspiration from Burke’s pioneering spirit.

Burke’s extraordinary journey from Mooresville, North Carolina, to national prominence exemplifies the often-overlooked contributions of Black women artists to American cultural heritage. Her most recognised work – a relief portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt – became the model for the Roosevelt dime, though this attribution remained contested throughout her lifetime.

Contemporary Artists Continue the Legacy

The exhibition features works by contemporary artists who are expanding the boundaries of African American artistic expression. Among them is James E. Duprée, whose works have found homes in prestigious institutions including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in New York.

Kimberly Camp, former president and CEO of the Barnes Foundation, brings her distinctive artistic vision to the show. ‘I love that Phillips’ Mill is doing this tribute to Selma Burke because women artists, especially Black American women artists, are often tossed aside’, Camp notes. ‘Most museum collections still have not made progress in this area’.

Addressing Museum Representation Gaps

Recent research from the Art Newspaper reveals that Black American female artists comprise just 0.5% of museum acquisitions, highlighting a significant underrepresentation compared to US demographics. However, positive changes are emerging, with museums facing increased pressure to diversify their collections and programming.

The exhibition features an impressive roster of contemporary artists including Chakaia Booker, Willie Cole and Mickalene Thomas, alongside historical works by renowned figures such as Faith Ringgold, Romare Bearden and Norman Lewis. This multigenerational showcase demonstrates the continuing evolution and vitality of African American artistic expression.

Cultural Preservation Through Artistic Expression

Mary Flamer, PMCA Board Member and Chair of the Selma Burke Show Committee, emphasises the crucial role Black artists play in preserving national history and culture. ‘Art explains things that sometimes words can’t’, says Flamer. ‘Through her art, Selma portrayed strong figures, many Black women, which challenged stereotypes and celebrated Black art, history and culture’.

The exhibition represents more than a collection of artworks – it stands as a testament to the ongoing dialogue between historical legacy and contemporary expression in American art. By bringing together established and emerging artists, the show illuminates the continuing influence of pioneering figures like Burke on today’s creative landscape.

The Selma Burke Invitational African American Art Show will run from 31 May through 29 June 2025, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with this vital aspect of American cultural heritage. Most works will be available for purchase, supporting the continuation of this artistic legacy for future generations.