"Flesh Tone" Paint and Its Impact on Art
Art has long been a powerful medium for expressing human experiences. Yet, even the tools used to create art reflect historical biases and exclusion. One striking example is "flesh tone" paint—a term rooted in a Eurocentric perspective that excluded people of color for much of art history.
The concept of "flesh tone" emerged during a period when European art dominated global culture, often depicting white subjects. Paint manufacturers catered to this narrow market by producing skin-tone paints in light beige or pinkish hues. By the 19th century, industrial paint production standardized these colors as "flesh tone," reinforcing whiteness as the default. Artists who wanted to represent diverse skin tones often had to mix their own pigments to achieve accuracy.
This exclusivity reflected societal biases, including colonial influence, a market focused on white artists, and the exclusion of people of color from mainstream art institutions. Together, these factors limited the demand for materials that reflected the diversity of human skin tones.
Change began during the civil rights movement of the 20th century, as artists like Jacob Lawrence and Faith Ringgold challenged Eurocentric norms by creating works that celebrated African-American life.
Building on this legacy, Kerry James Marshall revolutionized the use of black pigment in the 21st century. Rejecting the idea that lighter tones were necessary for detail and vibrancy, Marshall embraced deep black hues as a statement of pride, identity, and defiance. His work reclaims Blackness in art, portraying African-American life with richness, complexity, and dignity. By intentionally using black pigment, Marshall disrupted long-held conventions in portraiture, compelling viewers to celebrate the depth of Black identity.
Today, art supply companies are responding to calls for inclusivity by offering "skin-tone" palettes that represent the full spectrum of human skin. This shift reflects progress in acknowledging and embracing the diversity of human experiences in art.
The history of "flesh tone" paint highlights how cultural biases can shape creative expression. At the Northeast Louisiana Delta African-American Heritage Museum, we celebrate artists and movements that challenge these norms and honor the resilience and creativity of African-American artists. Join us in exploring this history and its impact by visiting our museum, where art narrates stories of diversity and hope.
