African American Artist Series: Meta Warrick Fuller

When we think of famous artists, we typically think of white male Europeans like Van Gogh, Monet, and Michelangelo. Let’s change that as talent does not discriminate. It’s a trait of people of all colors and nationalities. Each week this month, I will be introducing you to a famous black artist to share with your students. Our first artist in this series is Meta Warrick Fuller.

Meta Warrick Fuller

Meta Warrick Fuller became known as the “sculptor of horror” for her artwork depicting the darkest of emotions. Born in Philadelphia in 1877, Meta was not allowed to study at the all-white art schools in America. For that reason, she headed for Paris at the age of 22 where she surprisingly faced American-like racism. After being denied housing at the American Girls Club for young American women studying in France, she obtained her own apartment and attended art school.

Her work explored inequities and tragedies suffered by African Americans in her time and before. Depicting such stories was not common making her a true pioneer.

“Emancipation” by Meta Warrick Fuller

Meta and her work are worth a deeper dive. PBS has a great video biography that I recommend showing your students. FYI, it does show a sculpture of partial nude figures.