Samella Lewis, Superwoman (Ray Habib Mini-Blog Post)

Samella Sanders Lewis is a New Orleans native. Samella Lewis is an extremely significant artist, especially being a minority in that she is both a woman and African American. She specializes in preserving African American Art, with one article claiming that she "has enhanced the cultural fabric of the Los Angeles' art scene and nationally continues to be an influential voice that is respected." Not only was what Samella Lewis did difficult in her time (she was born in 1924), but it is also difficult in today's age, wonder-some considering that our country has "progressed." Samella Lewis also helped shape references for young artists that wanted to follow in her similar footsteps. Her art is displayed in The Museum of African Art, and she is the founder of "The International Review of African American Art," which became a necessary tool for educating the population about African American contributions throughout history, especially their contributions to the visual arts. Samella Lewis received a doctorate degree in art and art history from Ohio State University in 1951, which made her the first ever recipient of a doctorate degree for both of those majors.

Samella Lewis--Field Hands


This image above embodies the essence of what Samella Sanders Lewis' artistic expressions aimed to display, from the look on the boys faces to the title of the piece: "Field Hands."