The Most Famous African-American Female Artist, Ranked

Choose the artist you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 1, 2024 07:02
Ranking the most notable African-American female artists helps highlight their contributions to both the art world and cultural discourse. By creating a clearer picture of who these influential figures are, we foster a greater appreciation and understanding of their work. This list aims to celebrate their achievements and provide recognition where it's due. Your participation by voting enhances the accuracy and relevance of the rankings. As you engage with the list, you contribute to a broader acknowledgment of these artists' impact on both the arts and society. This dynamic process not only keeps the list current but also ensures that it reflects collective perspectives and values.

Who Is the Most Famous African-American Female Artist?

  1. 1
    26
    votes

    Maya Angelou

    Maya Angelou herself
    Maya Angelou is poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. Her poem "Still I Rise" is a powerful anthem of Black resilience and strength.
    Maya Angelou was an American author, poet, and civil rights activist who was widely regarded as one of the most beautiful elderly women. She became an influential figure and achieved immense success in various fields.
    • Birth Name: Marguerite Annie Johnson
    • Date of Birth: April 4, 1928
    • Place of Birth: St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
    • Occupation: Author, poet, civil rights activist
    • Awards and Honors: Presidential Medal of Freedom, National Medal of Arts, three Grammy Awards, etc.
    Maya Angelou in other rankings
  2. 2
    37
    votes
    Oprah Winfrey
    US Embassy South Africa · Public domain

    Oprah Winfrey

    Oprah Winfrey
    Oprah Winfrey is media mogul, philanthropist, and actress. Winfrey has become one of the most influential and successful women in the entertainment industry.
    Oprah Winfrey is a highly successful American media executive, talk show host, television producer, actress, and philanthropist. She is considered one of the most influential women in the world of entertainment.
    • Birth Date: January 29, 1954
    • Birth Place: Kosciusko, Mississippi, U.S.
    • Career Start: The Oprah Winfrey Show (1986-2011)
    • Net Worth: Approximately $2.6 billion (as of 2020)
    • Awards: Multiple Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom
    Oprah Winfrey in other rankings
  3. 3
    30
    votes
    Ella Fitzgerald
    Lewin/Kaufman/Schwartz, Public Relations, Beverly Hills · Public domain
    Ella Fitzgerald is jazz singer known as "The First Lady of Song." Fitzgerald's voice and style helped to define the jazz era of the 20th century.
    Ella Fitzgerald in other rankings
  4. 4
    11
    votes

    Toni Morrison

    Toni Morrison
    Toni Morrison - novelist, editor, and professor. Morrison's novels, such as Beloved and The Bluest Eye, explore the experiences of Black women in America.
    Toni Morrison is a novel
    • Year of publication: 1970
    • Genre: Fiction
    • Narrative style: Multi-perspective
    • Themes: Race, identity, memory
    • Awards: Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, Nobel Prize in Literature
    Toni Morrison in other rankings
  5. 5
    14
    votes
    Beyoncé is singer, songwriter, and actress. Beyoncé's music and performances have made her a global icon of Black excellence and female empowerment.
    The "Beyoncé" smile is a radiant and natural-looking smile that features perfectly aligned, pearly white teeth with minimal gum display. It is named after the iconic singer and actress Beyoncé, who is known for her dazzling and confident smile.
    • Teeth alignment: Perfectly straight
    • Tooth color: Bright white
    • Gum display: Minimal
    • Tooth shape: Natural and proportionate to the individual's face
    • Tooth texture: Smooth and glossy
  6. 6
    8
    votes
    Angela Davis is political activist, scholar, and author. Davis has been a leading voice in the fight against racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression for over 50 years.
    Angela Davis in other rankings
  7. 7
    9
    votes
    Alice Walker is novelist, poet, and activist. Walker's novel The Color Purple won the Pulitzer Prize and has become a classic of African-American literature.
    Alice Walker in other rankings
  8. 8
    6
    votes
    Billie Holiday - jazz singer and songwriter. Holiday's voice and interpretations of songs like "Strange Fruit" and "God Bless the Child" made her one of the most important artists of the 20th century.
    Billie Holiday in other rankings
  9. 9
    2
    votes
    Halle Berry
    Gage Skidmore · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Halle Berry - actress and producer. Berry was the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Monster's Ball.
    The Halle Berry smile is a beautifully arched smile that features perfect teeth and full lips. It is often described as warm and inviting, exuding a sense of radiance and confidence.
    • Tooth Shape: Symmetrical and perfectly shaped teeth
    • Tooth Color: Bright, white, and uniform
    • Arch Shape: A gentle U-shape, with the teeth slightly wider towards the back
    • Gum Line: Even and balanced, with no visible gums when smiling
    • Lip Fullness: Full and plump lips
    Halle Berry in other rankings
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    Nikki Giovanni - poet, writer, and educator. Giovanni's poetry often explores themes of Black identity, love, and social justice.

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Ranking factors for famous artist

  1. Cultural impact
    How did the artist change or impact the course of art history and Black culture?
  2. Artistic merit
    How skilled was the artist in their chosen medium(s)? Did they receive recognition for their work during their lifetime?
  3. Influence and recognition
    What kind of influence did the artist have on the art world and popular culture? How often are they referenced or celebrated in modern times?
  4. Social and political relevance
    How did the artist's work reflect racial, social, or political issues of their time?
  5. Historical and contemporary relevance
    How significant is the artist's work today? Are they still relevant and recognized in contemporary art scenes?

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous African-American female artist. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or artist is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1651 views
  • 154 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each artist once every 24 hours. The rank of each artist is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous african-american female artist

The world of art has been enriched by countless talented artists over the years, and African-American women have made significant contributions to the field. From painters to sculptors, composers to writers, these women have left an indelible mark on the art world. In this article, we explore the question of who is the most famous African-American female artist. We delve into the rich history of African-American art and highlight some of the most influential and celebrated female artists of this community. Join us as we celebrate the contributions of these remarkable women and their impact on the art world.

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