Yes. Big time. It's so bad that most black artists have applied abstract Expressionism to Realism and in replace of photographic realism and hyper realism. Thus we all are geauxin back to the art of the Eurocentrism, the Renaissance. We aren't even seeing the use of Chiroscura like Caravaggio did or even the likes of cubism. The two main art movements I'm seeing in 2025 is abstract Expressionism, abstract, grafittis and realism varieties.
Black folks, esp urban blacks are treated fairly good I believe. I went to two white galleries and my work was received very well and was offered representation on the spot.
The only problem with white spaces is that black artists may have to hide blackness visually to appeal to some white audiences. I have sold to whites before using very black imagery, so it depends on the white collector.
But yes, black artists are treated well in 2025 compared to the late 70s and 80s. I will say most white galleries are actively seeking black artists now, all thanks to Jean-Michel Basquiat. They want to find the next one.
Used to paint back in the day... but seein' how blackness is treated like a commodity, fad and enduringly marginalized in Euro art spaces and institutions by Euros and other minorities rubbed me too much the wrong way.
For the individuality championed in art circles, it seems conformist practiced for shows and praise.
And I fear Black artists gotta imitate the standards Euros have for Black art, and Black artists wind up marginalizing their work by dumbin' down their natural expression to be
understood by the people who control these art spaces and institutions, Euros.
I been seein' Black artists leanin' into abstract expressionism
because of Basquiat. I used to think it was influence 'til I started peepin' how it was in different artists' works... noticed this over five years ago and it got me wonderin'... compared to the late 70s and 80s, there was a different approach Black artists took that wasn't like it is
after Basquiat.