Wearable “Artist Statements”

Contemporary artists Jenny Holzer, Alec Soth and more collaborate on a T-shirt collection for Minneapolis Institute of Arts' 100th anniversary

Ohio-born contemporary artist Jenny Holzer started out in abstract painting but later moved into conceptual art—using words as her medium of choice. She finds her inspiration from past historical events and current political relations, which encourage her to formulate phrases and create her conceptual works that she believes send a clearer message to the public. Some of Holzer’s works are in the Minneapolis Institute of …

The Black Panther Party’s Artist

When the Black Panther Party decided to start a weekly newspaper in the late 1960s, they selected Emory Douglas as their revolutionary graphic artist. Douglas was tasked with creating bold prints depicting the injustices affecting the black community in order to spread awareness. As the newspaper expanded, so did his artwork’s influence and the paper became the go-to source for information on social issues. In …

Slum Village: Yes

Detroit-based collective Slum Village made their 12-track album Yes available to stream in its entirety this week. Featuring artists like Bilal, Black Milk, BJ the Chicago Kid and hip-hop royalty De La Soul, the record credits the late, great Jay Dee (a one-time SV member) as a producer on every track—and the sound is nothing if not Dilla. With hints of jazz, soul and plenty …