The Most Influential Living African American Artists

While it’s impossible to capture the full impact that African American artists have on contemporary art, Artsy Editorial asked prominent art historians and curators to reflect on 20 living African American artists who are making a mark on painting, photography, performance, and sculpture. Below, discover available works by these artists and more, including groundbreaking drape paintings by Sam Gilliam, lush photography and collage by Mickalene Thomas, and masterful portraits by Kehinde Wiley.