Murals serve various purposes from art to activism. Historically significant, they have evolved from ancient cave paintings to African-American murals like those by Hale Woodruff and Aaron Douglas. Artists like Judith de Leeuw and Banksy continue this tradition with socially impactful works.
My observations in March 2024 in Spanish Town, Jamaica about the disparities between rich and poor, and the impact of colonial exploitation and contemporary challenges such as foreign investment on the daily lives of the population.
Upon retirement, I wanted to research African and African-American art history, but found limited resources. It seemed that he art world was predominantly white and male-dominated, operating within established bastions. Now, there's a shift towards inclusivity, although it's questionable whether this change is genuine or merely a trend.
In the Netherlands, research has been conducted in 2024 on the position of female visual artists regarding their development and position in the art field now. You can find a summary here.
In her essay, Linda Nochlin examines the absence of great female artists, attributing it to societal barriers rather than talent, urging for a reevaluation of assumptions and recognition of women's contributions in art.
