JOHN BIGGERS (1924-2001). Imomolu, 1965. Graphite. 18in. x 13in.. Signed, dated, and titled lower left. John Biggers i...

Description

JOHN BIGGERS (1924-2001)
Imomolu, 1965
Graphite
18in. x 13in.
Signed, dated, and titled lower left

John Biggers is internationally known for his murals, oils, graphic works, and prints. He was born in Gastonia, North Carolina, and studied at the Hampton Institute in Virginia. In 1943, while at Hampton, Biggers' mural Negro Soldier was included at the seminal exhibition, Young Negro Art, at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

In 1949, he moved to Houston where he founded the art department at Texas Southern University. Up until this time it was almost impossible for young negro artists to obtain formal training in fine arts. In 1950, Biggers won first prize at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, for his painting, The Cradle. In 1957, he traveled to Africa to explore his African heritage. He published a book based on his travels in Ghana, Nigeria, and other African countries. In 1995, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, in conjunction with Hampton University, organized a retrospective of his work to great acclaim.

This work, an illustration for the book, I, Momolu, by Lorenz Graham, was completed in 1965, one year before the book was published, and depicts the main character, Imomolu. A copy of the book is included with the lot.

Provenance:
Acquired from the artist by the present owner



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