Chronology of societal and Afro-American art evolution in pre (1619-1865) and post (1865-1965) civil war in the US

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between the societal integration of African Americans and its influences on the group's art of painting in the pre-and-post-Civil War periods, i.e., from 1619-1865 and 1865-1965, in the United States of America. It seeks to explore a relationship between greater social integration and influences on the artwork of African Americans over time - themes and elements of art, i.e., lines and colours. It draws upon John Dewey’s theory of art as experience and Erwin Panofsky's Thematic analysis (Iconography). The study findings suggest the oppression and exclusion of African Americans in general (in the pre-Civil War period) and its influences on the constrained creativity of the group’s artwork (of painting). However, on the contrary, the findings indicate greater experimentation, uniqueness, and depiction of African identity in post-Civil War period artwork of painting. This coincides with the gradual but ominous social acceptance, educational attainments, and economic success of Afro-Americans in American society during this period. The findings and analysis validate a relationship between the societal transformation of marginalized groups (from exclusion to integration) and influences on groups’ artistic expressions.