Creative Justice and Black Southern Artists
Bill Traylor in Montgomery, Alabama in the early 1940s. Photo by Horace Perry, Alabama State Council on the Arts.
Justus is a graduate of Grand Canyon University, where he double-majored in Applied Entrepreneurship and Fine Art. With a background in marketing, photography, and creative storytelling, he brings a unique blend of business acumen and artistic vision to his work. Justus is passionate about the power of Black art to shape culture, challenge boundaries, and inspire progress. His heart for blending creativity with community development makes him a natural fit as a BLK South intern. In the coming months, he will be immersing himself in the behind-the-scenes operations of nonprofit work—learning donor relations, organizational systems, and the daily rhythms of holding space for community formation and justice work in the South. Learn More
When I reflect on the culture and heritage of the South, I see how its landscapes, both physical and emotional, have shaped the artistry and activism of Black Southern artists.
The South, with its sweltering heat, lush greenery, and historical scars, is more than just a place, it’s a story that breathes through the art of those who call it home.
Under the Creative Justice umbrella, here are some artists we celebrate whose work embodies the intersection of art and advocacy.
A M Y S H E R A L D
Portraits of Power and Grace
Amy Sherald is pictured with 2022's "A God Blessed Land (Empire of Dirt)" at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. (Photo by Kelvin Bulluck/Courtesy SFMOMA)
Amy Sherald, born in Columbus, Georgia, is renowned for her striking portraits that reimagine Black identity and representation. Her work gained global recognition when she painted the official portrait of Michelle Obama, but her Southern roots deeply inform her artistic vision. Sherald’s portraits carry a quiet strength and dignity that resonate deeply to viewers.
Relationship to the South: Sherald’s upbringing in Georgia shapes her understanding of Black Southern life and its complexities.
Artistic Style: Her portraits feature muted tones and vibrant backdrops, creating a dreamlike quality that centers Black subjects in their full humanity.
Cultural Story: Sherald’s art challenges stereotypes, presenting Black individuals as dignified, powerful, and multifaceted.
Expression of Black Life: Her work celebrates the beauty and resilience of Black communities, offering a counter-narrative to historical erasure.
R A D C L I F F B A I L E Y
Memory and Identity
Artist Radcliffe Bailey @ VMFA
Radcliffe Bailey, an Atlanta-based artist, has used mixed media to explore themes of memory, history, and identity. His work often incorporates found objects, photographs, and African cultural symbols to create layered narratives. Bailey’s art brings to mind the heirlooms cherished in Southern families, preserving stories of struggle and triumph for future generations.
Relationship to the South: Bailey’s connection to Atlanta and its rich Black cultural history is evident in his work.
Artistic Style: His installations and sculptures blend personal and collective histories, inviting viewers to reflect on the past and its impact on the present.
Cultural Story: Bailey’s art honors the legacy of African diasporic traditions while addressing contemporary social issues.
Expression of Black Life: His work serves as a bridge between generations, preserving stories of struggle and triumph.
C H A R L E S T O N R H I Z O M E C O L L E C T I V E
Community and Collaboration
A Charleston Rhizome Collective Event
Based in Charleston, South Carolina, the Charleston Rhizome Collective is a group of Black artists and activists dedicated to social justice through art. Their projects range from public murals to community workshops, all aimed at fostering dialogue and empowerment. Their collaborative approach reminds me of Southern quilting traditions, where each patch represents a unique story yet contributes to the whole.
Relationship to the South: The collective’s work is deeply rooted in Charleston’s history as a hub of African American culture and resistance.
Artistic Style: Their collaborative approach combines visual art, performance, and education to address systemic inequities.
Cultural Story: The collective’s projects highlight the resilience and creativity of Black communities in the face of adversity.
Expression of Black Life: Their work amplifies voices often marginalized, creating spaces for healing and transformation.
These artists remind us that art is not just a reflection but a force, a catalyst for social change and cultural preservation. Like trees planted by rivers of history and struggle, their art draws sustenance from the roots of Black Southern identity. Whether through portraiture, mixed media, or community collaboration, Black Southern artists continue to inspire and lead the way.
Looking back, I realize how deeply rooted art is in understanding the South—not as a monolith, but as a mosaic of voices. Their work teaches us that growth, like a tree's roots, is grounded in perseverance and connection. Just as healthy roots sustain mighty trees, the resilience of Black Southern artists nourishes the spirit of justice and creativity.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
How does “creative justice” help us see justice in new ways—beyond just laws and politics—especially through the work of Black Southern artists?
How can art from the Black South help people heal, tell their stories, and bring communities together?
R E C O M M E N D E D R E A D I N G
