The Art of Emory Douglas

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This post is inspired by three things.

1) December 5th’s anniversary of the unjust and horrific death of a young Fred Hampton, Sr.,

2) An art exhibit at the local and inspiring Pueblo Nuevo Art Gallery (shout out to Bounce from Trust Your Struggle), and

3) Emory Douglas’ art is revolutionary, in every sense of the word.

 

If you are aware with The Black Panther Party, you have seen the work of Emory Douglas. It is his unique artistic style and design that gave an identity to the print media and newsletters promoting the organization. Rather knowingly or unknowingly, he created a visual brand which has helped keep the essence of the Black Panther Party alive today. Drawings that we see created by Mr. Douglas from the 1960′s not only give us a window into the life of the revolutionary Black American during that time period, it also gives us a reference to the same atrocities that still plague cities all across the country. It is ironic to say that Emory’s art is ahead of his time, since he was documenting things that we saw and felt as a member of the Black Panther Party, but when you see what the Occupy Movement is all about, you cannot help but to think that he, as well as the Party, were exposing the imbalance of financial wealth, police brutality, the conspiracy theories long before they became widespread rhetoric.

Here are just a few posters from Emory Douglas, as we pay tribute to his work, his craft, his mind, and his legacy. Although the Black Panther Party from the 60′s has disbanded, it is documentation such as this that will help preserve the legacy of The Panthers.

(Show as slideshow)

[View with PicLens]

 

Here is a promo for an event at Pueblo Nuevo Art Gallery featuring Emory Douglas and his artwork. Although the event has passed, it is an excellent video which shows Emory himself and his art.


(Photo by: Shaun Roberts)