ArtsTalk: Making Art That Empowers & Protects Women--Part 2

Akin Duro's Life in Art

Prof. Chandler has long argued that African American are the least respected, least valued women on the planet. In a society that still touts the Eurocentric ideals of beauty, African American women, including First Lady, Michelle Obama, are thought and even called "ugly". Chandler, however, thinks black women are the most beautiful women in the world and his art reflects that. So, on this episode of our show, continuing our them of celebrating women during National Women's History Month, we will continue to discuss Chandler's love of black women and the ways he empowers them by reflecting thier unique beauty in his works. We will discuss, in particular, his seminal Black on Black for Blacks pieces of rhe 1960s and 1970s (which the Artist reprised in the early 90s). These pieces encourage black people to love themselves. They also promote black love and respect of black women by portraying them positively. As importantly, they depict black women's love of black people and, especially, of black men. Called "controversial", a "Black Power Artist", "activist artist" and "Outsider Artist", Chandler, 70, was born in 1941 in Lynn, MA. He is best known for the edgy, colorful, controversial and hotly-debated artistic statements of his 1960’s-1980’s works. Chandler continues to evolve and his views, expressed on this show, provide weekly evidence of his continued development. The show is co-hosted and produced by Chandler's daughter and artist agent, Dahna M. Chandler, an award-winning former journalist. (c) 2012. The Outsider Artist, LLC and BAPsody in Blue, Inc.