It's never been harder to define "art" than it is today, but one thing is certain — artists are always having a conversation with the time they live in.
videos + essays
Over the next two years, Seeing America will grow to include 100 videos, 18 essays, quizzes, discussion questions and lesson plans.
The Chief Johnson Totem Pole
Learn about the story of Fog Woman and Raven and the generations of this totem pole from the Tlingit
Amy Sherald, Precious Jewels by the Sea
This monumental painting of Black people at the beach speaks to a dearth of Black figures in the art history canon
Marilyn Spoon, Bandolier Bag
This bandolier bag is the first of its kind from the Sac and Fox tribe in more than 20 years
Richard Zane Smith, Wyandotte Feast Pot
Smith uses historic Wyandotte forms to create this contemporary pot, bringing his Indigenous traditions into the present and future
Kerry James Marshall, Our Town
The American Dream is not what it seems in this artwork that combines painting and collage
Shan Goshorn, Sealed Fate: Treaty of New Echota Protest Basket
Goshorn weaves stories about forced removal from homelands and protest in this basket made of printed archival documents
Ruthe Blalock Jones, Medicine Woman
Bright red fringe, a pheasant and macaw feather fan, trade blankets—these meticulous details shine in this painting of a member of the Native American Church.
Richard Mayhew, Indigenous Spiritual Space
Explosions of color signify a landscape, real or imagined
Michelle Browder, Mothers of Gynecology
This memorial honors three women who were victims of medical experimentation by the "father of gynecology"
Dorica Jackson, Diving Whale Chilkat Robe
Dorica Jackson spent 16 years weaving this robe with an abstract whale design and fringe that would animate the movements of a dancer
The National Memorial for Peace and Justice (Equal Justice Initiative)
The first monument to commemorate the over 4,000 African Americans who were lynched in the early 20th century.
Browse Smarthistory images for teaching & learning!
