ArtsTalk: Making Art That Empowers & Protects Women--Part 1

Akin Duro's Life in Art

Prof. Chandler has long argued that African American and other women of color are the least respected, least protected women on the planet. It is, indeed, an unsafe world for females. Moreover, Chandler asserts, rightfully, that black women in particular have not been highly valued for their beauty and strength. But, Chandler sought to remedy those challenges in his art, portraying the value, power and beauty of black women and showing all women how they can empower themselves against crime, violence and physical abuse using common household items to protect themselves. His Urban Weaponry Series does precisely that. On this episode, as we continue our National Women History Month series, we'll start to a three part series discussing those works. Part 1 will focus on Chandler's Urban Weaponry series of the 1970s. Called "controversial", a "Black Power Artist", "activist artist" and "Outsider Artist", Chandler, 70, was born in 1941 in Lynn, MA. He is best known for the edgy, colorful, controversial and hotly-debated artistic statements of his 1960’s-1980’s works. Chandler continues to evolve and his views, expressed on this show, provide weekly evidence of his continued development. The show is co-hosted and produced by Chandler's daughter and artist agent, Dahna M. Chandler, an award-winning former journalist. (c) 2012. The Outsider Artist, LLC and BAPsody in Blue, Inc.