In Great Company: David C. Driskell and Howard University

March 1-May 31, 2021

Scholar and artist Professor David C. Driskell (1931-2020) crystalized the history of African American art and empowered generations. Driskell maintained enduring connections to Howard University, first as a student and later as a teacher, mentor, and honoree.

This virtual exhibition places Driskell “in great company.” It is titled after, as well as informed and inspired by, Howard Gallery Assistant Director Scott W. Baker’s biographical essay. Driskell is situated in a network of impactful individuals connected through the University. Works from the collection of the Howard University Gallery of Art show the development of Driskell’s aesthetic and his circles of influence, and Driskell’s canonization of African American art is tied into the Gallery’s collection. It is a collection he not only helped build, but which also holds works by him, his Howard professors and students, and the historical artists whose achievements he illuminated.

This exhibition draws primarily from the Howard Gallery’s permanent collection, supplemented by archival materials from the David C. Driskell Papers at the David C. Driskell Center at the University of Maryland, College Park and other sources. This is released in conjunction with the Art Department's memorial tribute and was curated by Abby R. Eron, PhD, Howard Gallery Registrar. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [CAGML-246796-OMLS-20].

Enter exhibition or start guided tour. It may take a minute to load. For the most immersive experience, expand to full screen in the hamburger menu at the top right of the window. Pause tour to access menu. Click on info (i) for notes to individual works. Thank you for visiting!