Black Student Artists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Abstract

This paper explores the history of Black student artists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 1969 to 2022. Focusing on the work of Professor Freida High, 2010s graduate student Jay Katelansky, and the 15 oral histories from UW-Madison Black student artist graduates, this paper provides a thorough examination of Black student artists’ experiences and how their artistic practice is influenced by their time at UW-Madison. This paper synthesizes how, while 50 years have elapsed, Black student artists’ thematic work bears striking parallels across time.