Internationally renowned artist and Syracuse University Artist-in-Residence Carrie Mae Weems received the National Medal of Arts at a White House ceremony October 21.
Weems became the first African American female visual artist to earn the prestigious award, the highest honor given by the U.S. government to artists. Known for over four decades of work spanning photography, text, audio, video, and performance, Weems has explored themes of race, gender, and social justice.
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Artist: Carrie Mae Weems
In addition to this honor, Weems was the first African American woman to have a retrospective at the Guggenheim Museum.
President Joe Biden presented the award to Weems and two other artists during the ceremony.
