OCTOBER 2017
BOOK REVIEW
“Black Panther The Revolutionary Art
of Emory Davis"
In the August 2017 Issue of YW News, Events: Art. Out About & Around Town, we spotlighted Google and AIGA’s collaborative online exhibit “African American Culture and History : an AIGA Journey” which showcased the historic presence of blacks in graphic design. This exhibit introduced me to the prolific work of black artist Emory Douglas, the Minister of Culture for the Black Panther Party (BPP). Among other works the exhibit included select pieces of Douglas’ art and featured the artist in an interview discussing his work and the role it played in the BPP Movement. The Black Panther Party was a political organization founded by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale in 1966 to address the complex issues facing blacks during one of the most volatile times in American history. Active in the 60’s, the BPP’s goal was to educate, inform and gain racial equality for blacks across America. Although they initiated social programs like the Breakfast Program to feed black children and others that served the needs of black communities, it was the organizations’ decision to bare arms for self defense that made them controversial and memorable. This openly radical, confrontational and militant approach was drastically opposite the non-violent alternative presented by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The unexpected discovery of Douglas’ work in “Black Panther The Revolutionary Art of Emory Davis” at the local library was quite the surprise. Douglas joined the BBP and was given the title of “Revolutionary Artist” producing political drawings for the party’s newspaper “The Black Panther”. The book is a collection of works from that time.
With limited resources the BPP distributed 4000,000 copies per week of “The Black Panther” for which Douglas crafted striking, bold images printed in 2-color. Large full page images of these political pieces fill the book and stand on their own as works of art.The critical role Douglas’s art played in advancing the movement is clear. His bold images communicated ideas to communities that were undereducated or illiterate. Like the great revolutionary muralists of Mexico, Emory Douglas’s work was used effectively to educate the masses to stir change !! The work is beautiful, powerful and in some instances unnerving. Even with my knowledge of the unfair and brutal treatment of blacks under government supported segregation it’s shocking even from a present-day lense of police brutality and riots to see the police and government portrayed as vitriolic, sadistic and cruel. Information on BBP activities are in the book and notes accompany each piece wisely setting the context of the work, giving the reader insight to the artist’s motivation and perspective.
The book is designed to highlight the work, it includes a forward by Danny Glover and interview with Emory Douglas. “Black Panther The Revolutionary Art of Emory Davis” is a worthwhile compilation of work that is an example of how art can be used for change. With shooting incidents of young black men like: 2012’s Trayvon Martin, Sanford, FL, 2014’s Micheal Brown, Ferguson, MO, and 2015’s Freddie Gray, Baltimore, MD, artists like Najee Dorsey and Charly Palmer , are using art to express outrage. Use the resources below to view interviews with Emory Douglas and his work.
Additional Resources
Artist Interview - Video | Open Culture
Artist Interview - Article | AIGA
All Content © 2017 yvette watson, yvette watson fine art
Photo Courtesy Joel Dietle & www.freeimages.com
