Art Quote by Langston Hughes
“We younger Negro artists who create now intend to express our individual dark-skinned selves without fear or shame. If white people are pleased, we are glad. If they are not, it doesn't matter. We know we are beautiful. And ugly too. The tom-tom cries and the tom-tom laughs. If colored people are pleased, we are glad. If they are not, it doesn't matter either. We build our temples for tomorrow, strong as we know how, and we stand on top of the mountain, free within ourselves.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Unknown, 20th century
Affirms Black artists' freedom to create authentically, indifferent to white approval, focusing on self‑validation.
In simple terms: Create without needing others' praise.
Key Takeaway
Validate your own artistic truth.
Themes
identity
artistic freedom
racial pride
self‑acceptance
Mood
proud
reflective
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- gallery exhibition
- community mural
- personal portfolio
- online showcase
Key Concepts
cultural expression
authenticity
empowerment
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance self‑validation with feedback?
- What does artistic freedom mean to you?
A Different Perspective
Ignoring constructive critique can hinder growth.
