Contemporary African-American art in New York galleries and museums: Patterns of exclusion and inclusion in the 1990s

It appears that New York curators have exhibited African-American artists' work in ever-increasing numbers. This thesis examines whether exhibition opportunities actually have increased for these artists by comparing the number of museum exhibitions featuring solo exhibitions of black artists from 1990 to 2000 with those art historian Howardena Pindell compiled from 1980 to 1988. The thesis also examines the works of the artists Thornton Dial, Glenn Ligon, Lorna Simpson, Kara Walker and Fred Wilson and proposes strategies that can lead to productive, fair and successful future inclusion of black artists in the American art system.