David Driskell

David Driskell (June 7, 1931 – April 1, 2020) was an American artist, scholar, curator, and educator whose work explored African American history, spirituality, and cultural identity. Working across painting, printmaking, drawing, and collage, he blended abstraction with African, European, and American artistic traditions to create richly layered compositions. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in African American art history, Driskell transformed the field through his groundbreaking scholarship, landmark exhibitions, and decades of mentorship, helping bring greater recognition to Black artists in museums and academia.