Our Intent 

In the past, art created by African-Americans was ignored and undervalued in the art world. It was presumed to be inherently rudimentary – a concept fueled by overt racism. This affected the artists as they struggled with institutional neglect and few acquisitions, but, they refused to have the presentment of their work and careers stifled. They took a stand to raise awareness of their art by working with like-minded curators, collectors, and artist-activists to fight for inclusion and diversity in museums, galleries, and universities.

It was not until the 1980’s a noticeable shift began in the art world. Some museums started to deconstruct their narrow, Eurocentric, male dominate art programming, and gradually included African-American art in their exhibitions and permanent collections.  Works by artists Edmonia Lewis, James VanDerZee, William H. Johnson, and Aaron Douglas showed for the first time in the Metropolitan Museum and the Smithsonian Museum. It was evident that a segment the art world was making significant strides to correct past discrimination.

Today, demand for African-American artists works continues to rise. Interest is expanding from narrative works of the “black experience”, to abstract and conceptual art. Many institutions are making efforts to revise the history of American art by including works by African-American artists from the 19th century, 20th century, and present day.  The art market is starting to catch on as well. Auctions prices are surging to close to half a million dollars for works by Norman Lewis, Glen Ligon and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

For this progress to continue, the art community must commit to increasing diversity, building an understanding of this work, and recognizing it is a fundamental part of American art. Clark Art is committed to cultivating a community of art enthusiasts, who value art by African-Americans, through the services we provide.

Meet Our Founder

Tracy founded Clarke Art in 2008, with a passion for preserving the legacy of her father, artist James E. Clarke III, by becoming a catalyst for the promotion and appreciation of works by artists of African-American heritage. Her interest in art started at a young age. Although she was good at sketching figures, she most enjoyed assisting her father with organizing his art exhibits.  This small role eventually evolved in to her passion to share art with the world as the founder of Clarke Art.

She has over 10 years of experience in art advisory and financial risk management.  She holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University,  a Certificate in Art Business from New York University, and is certified in Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. She has acquired art for well-known collectors, and designed exhibitions for museums, galleries, and corporations. Tracy serves as the Principal of the firm.

His Story Drives Our Passion For Art

Born in Williamsburg, Virginia, James “Sonny” Clarke, III was a self-made artist in an era when African-American artists stood outside the mainstream. Clarke came of age in the 1950s and ’60s, and though his parents encouraged his artistic abilities, he received no formal training as a child, instead learning from books, lectures, and area art shows.

He attended the Richmond Professional Institute (RPI, now Virginia Commonwealth University), where a professor told him that because of his talents he was wasting his time taking art classes, so Clarke retreated to self-study. His work draws inspiration from Dali and Picasso, and his abstract expressionism demonstrates the humiliation of racism and the distress of poverty suffered by a frustrated black America.

Renowned for his stylized figures— oversized eyes, enlarged hands and feet, misshapen limbs—Clarke’s paintings are powerful evocations of a tumultuous era. His work was highly in demand, and showed at galleries in New York, Washington D.C., and in Europe. Despite his talents, Clarke was famously modest, and had reservations about showing his work. Independent of demands from the art world, Clarke painted what he wanted, when he wanted, and never accepted an offer for commissioned work.

It is this combination of humility and talent that James Clarke III will be remembered for, and the legacy of his work shows him to be a profound interpreter of the human spirit. Clarke Art continues the legacy of James E. Clarke III, thus creating the foundation for the brand and intent of the firm.