Edmonia Lewis (1844–1907)
Known for: Neoclassical marble sculptures exploring themes of race and freedom.
Notable works: The Death of Cleopatra, Forever Free
🖤 African American Sculptors
Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller (1877–1968)
Known for: Expressionist works reflecting Black pride and identity.
Notable works: Ethiopia Awakening, Mary Turner: A Silent Protest Against Mob Violence
Augusta Savage (1892–1962)
Known for: Realistic sculptures of African American life.
Notable works: The Harp, Gamin
Richmond Barthé (1901–1989)
Known for: Sculptures of dancers and performers full of motion and grace.
Notable works: African Dancer, The Boxer
Elizabeth Catlett (1915–2012)
Known for: Sculptures and prints depicting Black women and social justice.
Notable works: Mother and Child, Homage to My Young Black Sisters
Martin Puryear (b. 1941)
Known for: Abstract wood sculptures that blend craftsmanship with philosophy.
Notable works: Ladder for Booker T. Washington
Melvin Edwards (b. 1937)
Known for: Abstract metalworks exploring race and history.
Notable works: Lynch Fragments series
Simone Leigh (b. 1967)
Known for: Ceramic and bronze works celebrating Black womanhood.
Notable works: Brick House, Last Garment
🌍 African Sculptors
Lamidi Fakeye (1928–2009, Nigeria)
Known for: Yoruba woodcarving traditions with modern flair.
Notable works: Door Panels for the University of Ife
Ben Enwonwu (1917–1994, Nigeria)
Known for: Modernist sculptures blending African and Western influences.
Notable works: Anyanwu
El Anatsui (b. 1944, Ghana/Nigeria)
Known for: Monumental metal installations made from recycled materials.
Notable works: Earth’s Skin, Dusasa I–III
Sokari Douglas Camp (b. 1958, Nigeria/UK)
Known for: Steel sculptures inspired by Nigerian masquerade traditions.
Notable works: All the World is Now Richer
Nandipha Mntambo (b. 1982, South Africa)
Known for: Sculptures using cowhide to explore identity and femininity.
Notable works: Europa, Engulf
Olu Amoda (b. 1959, Nigeria)
Known for: Metal sculptures made from bolts, nails, and industrial scrap.
Notable works: Sunflower series
🌐 Diaspora & Contemporary Sculptors
Kehinde Wiley (b. 1977, USA/Nigeria)
Known for: Classical portraiture and monumental sculptures reimagined through Black identity.
Notable works: Rumors of War
Kara Walker (b. 1969, USA)
Known for: Provocative large-scale works exploring race and history.
Notable works: A Subtlety (The Sugar Sphinx)
Yinka Shonibare (b. 1962, UK/Nigeria)
Known for: Sculptures and installations using African textiles to explore colonial legacy.
Notable works: Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle