Black Art in “And Just Like That”
When Sex and the City first premiered in 1998, it was a cultural phenomenon defining fashion, relationships, and city life for a generation. But for all its influence, it was very white. Black characters were sparse, and the stories of Black life in New York were largely absent. The revival series, And Just Like That, is strikingly different. It embraces diversity, inclusion, and fresh perspectives, creating a world that feels more reflective of the city it depicts.
One of the most meaningful ways this change is visible is through Lisa Todd Wexley’s apartment (played by Nicole Ari Parker). Every corner, every wall, every carefully curated piece of Black art tells a story. It’s not just decoration it’s cultural pride, identity, and storytelling woven into the set design. For me as an artist, seeing this space was inspiring: it shows how art can transform a room into a narrative about heritage, success, and joy.
The Artists Behind the Art
Gordon Parks
Parks was a trailblazer the first Black staff photographer at Life magazine, a filmmaker, and a storyteller. His photography and films captured both the beauty and the challenges of Black life, documenting history while inspiring future generations. In Lisa’s home, his work adds historical depth, connecting the past with the present.
Mickalene Thomas
Thomas is celebrated for her bold, rhinestone-adorned portraits of Black women. Her work elevates Black femininity, luxury, and self-expression, turning ordinary subjects into icons. Seeing her pieces in Lisa’s apartment reminded me of the power of glamour and pride in shaping identity.
Deborah Roberts
Roberts’ mixed-media collages explore identity, childhood, and societal expectations through layered portraits of Black children. Her art reflects complexity and selfhood, showing that identity is multifaceted and worthy of recognition. In the show, her pieces add a reflective, thought-provoking energy to the space.
Carrie Mae Weems
Weems’ photography, including her famous Kitchen Table Series, examines race, gender, and power dynamics. Her art brings serious cultural commentary into Lisa’s curated environment, grounding the space in both history and contemporary discourse.
Barkley Hendricks
Hendricks’ life-sized, stylish portraits of Black figures exude confidence, individuality, and coolness. His art celebrates representation and pride, reinforcing the idea that Black figures belong at the center of fine art.
Derrick Adams
Adams’ colorful, joyful depictions of everyday Black life highlight leisure, play, and rest. His art reminds us that Black joy is powerful, necessary, and deserving of visibility a message that resonates strongly in the show.
Why This Representation Matters
And Just Like That doesn’t just improve diversity compared to Sex and the City it centers Black art and culture as essential, not peripheral. Lisa Todd Wexley’s apartments show that Black creativity belongs in high-profile spaces, and that art can tell a story as richly as any dialogue or plotline. Seeing this intentional curation inspired me personally, reminding me how representation, mentorship, and visibility shape our perception of culture, art, and identity.
Reflection and Engagement
Watching the show made me think about my own work and the responsibility of artists to celebrate, uplift, and preserve culture. It also made me reflect on how far television and media have come and how much further we can go.
Which artwork in And Just Like That stood out to you the most? Was it a painting, a collage, or a photograph? I’d love to hear which pieces spoke to you and why drop your thoughts in the comments.
