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African-American art has always been an integral part African-American art and artists have captured societal
of my life. As a child, my parents owned and operated an shifts in our country. In doing so, they have risen above
African-American bookstore and an African Export/Import the strife and the nebulous title of “other,” and have
store. Art was all around me in diferent mediums. When secured a stronghold in the art world. Diverse cultural
I was nine years old, we moved to Ghana, West Africa, legacies compete for validity, respect, recognition and
and that experience left an indelible imprint on my mind position in our society every day. Our American culture
as to where African-American artists inherited their has been––and continues to be––riddled with great
rich legacy––some without even knowing it. The richness gains and losses because of this competition. Although
of African art has been and always will be part of my our struggles and triumphs may seem to surpass
environment. It is a form of self-expression for me, understanding, African-American art remains organic,
and it highlights who I am and what I have experienced. fuid, provocative and unique in all its forms.
Living life as an African-American is a colorful,
enlightening and intriguing journey that makes life It is widely known that the Harlem Renaissance
worth living! established the foundation that enables African-American
artists and galleries owned by African-Americans to thrive
Rana Walker as they do today. Their signifcance traverses economics,
Founder, Diamond Cutter LLC politics and community simultaneously, as it did in the
Philadelphia, PA past. Art, artists, galleries, and museums exhibit, record
and distribute information and ideas, therefore capturing
the zeitgeist of our time, in my opinion. They are a
platform from which we are able to “see” one’s vision or to
“hear” one’s non-verbal voice create awareness, balance
or discord: our “soapbox.” For me, art is a place where
talent and intellect merge.
Robin Nedab
Writer
Philadelphia, PA
Sista by George Nock
255
254 255
African-American art has always been an integral part African-American art and artists have captured societal
of my life. As a child, my parents owned and operated an shifts in our country. In doing so, they have risen above
African-American bookstore and an African Export/Import the strife and the nebulous title of “other,” and have
store. Art was all around me in diferent mediums. When secured a stronghold in the art world. Diverse cultural
I was nine years old, we moved to Ghana, West Africa, legacies compete for validity, respect, recognition and
and that experience left an indelible imprint on my mind position in our society every day. Our American culture
as to where African-American artists inherited their has been––and continues to be––riddled with great
rich legacy––some without even knowing it. The richness gains and losses because of this competition. Although
of African art has been and always will be part of my our struggles and triumphs may seem to surpass
environment. It is a form of self-expression for me, understanding, African-American art remains organic,
and it highlights who I am and what I have experienced. fuid, provocative and unique in all its forms.
Living life as an African-American is a colorful,
enlightening and intriguing journey that makes life It is widely known that the Harlem Renaissance
worth living! established the foundation that enables African-American
artists and galleries owned by African-Americans to thrive
Rana Walker as they do today. Their signifcance traverses economics,
Founder, Diamond Cutter LLC politics and community simultaneously, as it did in the
Philadelphia, PA past. Art, artists, galleries, and museums exhibit, record
and distribute information and ideas, therefore capturing
the zeitgeist of our time, in my opinion. They are a
platform from which we are able to “see” one’s vision or to
“hear” one’s non-verbal voice create awareness, balance
or discord: our “soapbox.” For me, art is a place where
talent and intellect merge.
Robin Nedab
Writer
Philadelphia, PA
Sista by George Nock
255
254 255
