About

CULTURE TYPE is an essential resource focused on visual art from a Black perspective.

My lifelong love of art and books was the genesis for Culture Type. The site began as a journey of discovery through my personal library—an expansive collection of rare, vintage publications and more contemporary volumes on visual art by and about Black people.

An independent art history project, Culture Type continues to be driven by the published record on African American and Black Diaspora art with an emphasis on exploring the intersection of art, history, culture.

The site features coverage of up-and-coming, established, and historic artists, and a dynamic mix of book and exhibition reviews, art news, museum coverage, auction results, and Culture Talks—exclusive interviews with innovative figures in the art world about artistic vision, institutional leadership, and pivotal cultural moments.

Special annual reports include a list of the Best Black Art Books, roundup of curatorial appointments, and chronicle of the Year in Black Art.

Culture Type has been recognized with grants from Creative Capital | Andy Warhol Foundation and the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation. It was also nominated for a 2021 Webby Award, ranking Culture Type among the top five on the internet in the Best Cultural Blog/Website category.

— Victoria L. Valentine, founder and editor

COVER IMAGE: “Noah Davis,” Edited by Helen Molesworth (David Zwirner Books, 176 pages). | Published Sept. 1, 2020

20 comments

Dick Freeman says:

Mar 30, 2021

I think the presentations are fabulous and I’m glad that Black artists are provided with such vehicle to exhibit and tell about their accomplishments.
Now, 74 years old, computer semi-literate and entrepreneurial deficient I recall when studying art in college being informally instructed that “The reason there are no great Black artists is because so few are in the art museums.” by a fellow White peer who was my, then, interlocutor for understanding how to make paintings vs overly literalistic illustrations. Under-exposed as I was to the history of African Diaspora artwork and not as verbally articulate as my peer nor all my White instructors I felt impelled to infer that this deductive rationalization about there being no great Black artists was due to a success of bigoted inculcation and lack of self-enriching curiosity. This, as well as for the rest of the world.
As a teen I had previously witnessed inspiring the talent and accomplishments by Black and other Non-White people in other fields. I wondered, then, why not in the visual arts?
My being a dedicated artist since a toddler I’ve come a long way since my college days and love studying the diversity of artists throughout the world.

Casually chatting with a few METCO students and their instructor at the public high school where I am employed as a custodian yesterday I asked if I may join them when participating in lunch open discussions starting today.
I am honored to be welcomed by these young people “of color” or how ever each chooses to refer to each’s self.
I don’t know if any of these students are very interested in the visual arts among say may other topics.
At a respectfully appropriate time I look forward to introducing them to Culture Type.
Despite our age and respective life experience differences they are my peers; as is everyone!
I look forward to when someone may impel me feel a little anxious and embarrassed by my own ignorance regarding their lives. Learning from others is an irresistible adventure that as a dedicated artist I must pursue to make the greatest art work that I am capable of. That I had figured out back when I was a precociously talented child.

Sincerely,
Dick Freeman

Robert Johnson says:

Mar 20, 2021

Ms. Valentine, your sentiments are my sentiments, loving art and books. I have been collecting African American Art books for over 30 years. I’m in awe on how these young artist express themselves through their artwork. I’m proud to see more black curators in major museums. I’m glad to see more books are being written on artists of color. I applaud Culture Type, keep up the good work.

Sophie Sanders says:

Jan 14, 2021

I love the resources, updates, and spotlights on Black artists and curators in Culture Type. It keeps me up to date and aware of the changing world of African American and African Diaspora art.

fern says:

Nov 2, 2018

Victoria:
This website is AMAZING!
FERN

Fajr Strong says:

Mar 31, 2018

Wow! [THIS] is the what I will call the Guardian of The Light for African American Art and Culture. This is definitely my go to for information, a point of reference and staying in the know. Most grateful.

Paula Elliott says:

Oct 7, 2017

I too am loving Culture type. Coverage on Adrian Piper was sent my way. Most grateful that post introduced me to the site. I am having problems confirming a subscription. Will stay on it till I do, as it is most worth the effort.

Thuli Mlambo-James says:

Aug 9, 2017

OMG! I’m so in awe,I can’t believe I’m only discovering Culture Type now??? After all these years. I’m sold and will definitely be sharing it with the Culture Creatives and the world. I love the content,very current,informative and relevant,thank you for this site.

Eugene Holley, Jr. says:

Apr 4, 2017

This website is a godsend!: A worthy successor to American Visions and Emerge magazines. Bravo.

Aisha says:

Jan 27, 2017

Thank you. For your contribution to our future by highlighting our achievements, past,present,now and to come. L❤ve!

Joan Smith says:

Jan 24, 2017

Great resource . Thank you for the effort to put this together and sustain it!

Adrienne Chadwick says:

Jan 1, 2017

Hi Victoria,
Thank you for including me in 18 Curators and Cultural leaders to watch! What a treat to be grouped with such a dynamic cohort. Congratulations on the success of Culure Type and Happy New Year!
Adrienne