What's Happening?
Pamela Joyner, a renowned art collector, has transformed her passion for art into a mission-driven initiative to promote African American artists and those from the global African diaspora. With a collection of nearly 600 works, Joyner focuses on abstract art, a genre historically overlooked for Black artists. Her journey began over 30 years ago with a Richard Mayhew painting, which led her to a path of philanthropy and advocacy for underrepresented voices in the art world. Joyner's efforts include lending her collection to museums, creating artist residencies, and serving as a trustee at major art institutions. Her work aims to influence the art historical canon to include overlooked artists of African descent.
Why It's Important?
Joyner's initiative is significant
as it addresses the historical exclusion of African American artists from mainstream art narratives. By promoting abstract art by Black artists, she challenges the traditional art world's comfort with stereotypical representations. Her work not only provides visibility to these artists but also enriches the cultural landscape by diversifying the narratives within art history. This effort has the potential to reshape public perception and appreciation of African American contributions to the arts, fostering a more inclusive and representative art community.
What's Next?
Joyner plans to continue expanding her collection and influence by focusing on programming her artist residencies and publishing monographs of new artists. She aims to fill gaps in her collection and ensure the legacy of her work by addressing the future of her extensive collection. Her ongoing efforts will likely inspire other collectors and institutions to prioritize diversity and inclusion in their collections and exhibitions.
