CULTURE TYPE is an essential resource focused on visual art from a Black perspective.
My lifelong love of art and books was the genesis for Culture Type. The site began as a journey of discovery through my personal library—an expansive collection of rare, vintage publications and more contemporary volumes on visual art by and about Black people.
An independent, research-based editorial project, Culture Type continues to be driven by the published record on African American and Black Diaspora art with an emphasis on exploring the intersection of art, history, culture.
The site features coverage of up-and-coming, established, and historic artists, and a dynamic mix of book and exhibition reviews, art news, museum coverage, auction results, and Culture Talks—exclusive interviews with innovative figures in the art world about artistic vision, institutional leadership, and pivotal cultural moments.
Special annual reports include a list of the Best Black Art Books, roundup of curatorial appointments, and chronicle of the Year in Black Art.
Culture Type has been recognized with grants from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation. It was also nominated for a 2021 Webby Award, ranking Culture Type among the top five on the internet in the Best Cultural Blog/Website category.
— Victoria L. Valentine, founder and editor
COVER IMAGE: “Flight into Egypt: Black Artists and Ancient Egypt, 1876-Now,” by Akili Tommasino with contributions by Andrea Myers Achi, Makeda Djata Best, Barbara Chase-Riboud, Awol Erizku, Lauren Halsey, Solange Knowles, Iman Issa, Mia Matthias, Julie Mehretu , Kai Mora, Jennifer Newsom, Matthew Shenoda, and Fred Wilson (Metropolitan Museum of Art, 268 pages). | Hardcover, Published Nov. 26, 2024
23 comments
Alicia McDaniel says:
Oct 25, 2021
Fantastic website! Thank you!
Dick Freeman says:
Mar 30, 2021
I think the presentations are fabulous and I’m glad that Black artists are provided with such vehicle to exhibit and tell about their accomplishments.
Now, 74 years old, computer semi-literate and entrepreneurial deficient I recall when studying art in college being informally instructed that “The reason there are no great Black artists is because so few are in the art museums.” by a fellow White peer who was my, then, interlocutor for understanding how to make paintings vs overly literalistic illustrations. Under-exposed as I was to the history of African Diaspora artwork and not as verbally articulate as my peer nor all my White instructors I felt impelled to infer that this deductive rationalization about there being no great Black artists was due to a success of bigoted inculcation and lack of self-enriching curiosity. This, as well as for the rest of the world.
As a teen I had previously witnessed inspiring the talent and accomplishments by Black and other Non-White people in other fields. I wondered, then, why not in the visual arts?
My being a dedicated artist since a toddler I’ve come a long way since my college days and love studying the diversity of artists throughout the world.
Casually chatting with a few METCO students and their instructor at the public high school where I am employed as a custodian yesterday I asked if I may join them when participating in lunch open discussions starting today.
I am honored to be welcomed by these young people “of color” or how ever each chooses to refer to each’s self.
I don’t know if any of these students are very interested in the visual arts among say may other topics.
At a respectfully appropriate time I look forward to introducing them to Culture Type.
Despite our age and respective life experience differences they are my peers; as is everyone!
I look forward to when someone may impel me feel a little anxious and embarrassed by my own ignorance regarding their lives. Learning from others is an irresistible adventure that as a dedicated artist I must pursue to make the greatest art work that I am capable of. That I had figured out back when I was a precociously talented child.
Sincerely,
Dick Freeman
Robert Johnson says:
Mar 20, 2021
Ms. Valentine, your sentiments are my sentiments, loving art and books. I have been collecting African American Art books for over 30 years. I’m in awe on how these young artist express themselves through their artwork. I’m proud to see more black curators in major museums. I’m glad to see more books are being written on artists of color. I applaud Culture Type, keep up the good work.
Sophie Sanders says:
Jan 14, 2021
I love the resources, updates, and spotlights on Black artists and curators in Culture Type. It keeps me up to date and aware of the changing world of African American and African Diaspora art.
fern says:
Nov 2, 2018
Victoria:
This website is AMAZING!
FERN
Fajr Strong says:
Mar 31, 2018
Wow! [THIS] is the what I will call the Guardian of The Light for African American Art and Culture. This is definitely my go to for information, a point of reference and staying in the know. Most grateful.
Paula Elliott says:
Oct 7, 2017
I too am loving Culture type. Coverage on Adrian Piper was sent my way. Most grateful that post introduced me to the site. I am having problems confirming a subscription. Will stay on it till I do, as it is most worth the effort.
Thuli Mlambo-James says:
Aug 9, 2017
OMG! I’m so in awe,I can’t believe I’m only discovering Culture Type now??? After all these years. I’m sold and will definitely be sharing it with the Culture Creatives and the world. I love the content,very current,informative and relevant,thank you for this site.
Eugene Holley, Jr. says:
Apr 4, 2017
This website is a godsend!: A worthy successor to American Visions and Emerge magazines. Bravo.
Aisha says:
Jan 27, 2017
Thank you. For your contribution to our future by highlighting our achievements, past,present,now and to come. L❤ve!
Joan Smith says:
Jan 24, 2017
Great resource . Thank you for the effort to put this together and sustain it!
Adrienne Chadwick says:
Jan 1, 2017
Hi Victoria,
Thank you for including me in 18 Curators and Cultural leaders to watch! What a treat to be grouped with such a dynamic cohort. Congratulations on the success of Culure Type and Happy New Year!
Adrienne
DONNELL WALKER says:
Jan 11, 2016
Excellent site and information for and about artist of color. This is a must have site to bookmark.
Leslie says:
Jan 9, 2016
I’m glad I stumbled upon this site. It is very much needed and well done.
MJ Pool says:
Oct 20, 2015
I wish I had know about your site before, but I am really glad to find it now.
Thanks for the service you are providing for us art lovers.
JOHN OBAFEMI JONES says:
Oct 13, 2015
Wonderful, Culture Type is right on point without the hype, Quality is excellent. Looking forward to your regular posting.
emily carey says:
Aug 9, 2015
Great collection of articles…keep them coming.
Eugene foney says:
Mar 15, 2015
Love the site
Sherah Bassard says:
Mar 23, 2022
Ms. Valentine, I just wanted to thank you for your work here. It’s one of the only journals that I subscribe to and actually open and read almost every day — and if I don’t get a chance to read the day’s article, I save it for later. This is such a valuable resource! I’m a relatively new patron of the arts but I’m not new to the awareness that Black American contributions to the arts have traditionally been, at best, subjected to tokenism, and at worst, marginalized or completely overlooked because the art world is so Anglocentric. It’s extremely heartening and inspiring (as well as informative) to read your articles — somehow, you’re helping me to feel that I’m on a team thats doing something important out there in the world. I love that you and the individuals you write about live in my consciousness for a while every day. Much love and much respect, sis, and I look forward to a time when I can help financially support your work regularly. Thanks again!
Victoria L. Valentine says:
Mar 23, 2022
Ms. Bassard, Many thanks for taking the time to share your experience. Your feedback and kind words are very much appreciated.
Michelle says:
Jan 31, 2015
Good stuff! Thank you
Matema Hadi says:
Oct 27, 2014
Incredible site. I look forward to catching up on every article
michael massenburg says:
Sep 19, 2014
Just discovered Culture Type today. I have been looking for a site with this quality for awhile. Excellent. Look forward to your regular posting.