Ocean Cliffs 1881

Edward Mitchell Bannister, one of the few African American artists of the late 19th century, painted "Ocean Cliffs." He worked against the grain of a society deeply divided by racial prejudice. Bannister often chose landscapes and seascapes, subjects that seemingly avoided direct engagement with racial themes. Yet, in his choice, one can find a quiet but powerful statement. The ocean, in all its vastness and turbulence, echoes the complex emotions and experiences of a community that was historically marginalized. Bannister himself stated, "Art…civilizes, refines, elevates the thoughts and aspirations." Consider the interplay between the turbulent water and the steadfast cliffs in the image. It presents a metaphor for resilience in the face of adversity. The cliffs stand firm against the crashing waves, much like the African American community stood strong amidst the storms of discrimination. Bannister's art offers a lens through which we can reflect on themes of identity, perseverance, and the quiet dignity of nature.