Colorful and Powerful Art Exhibition

Brittany Waddel

Ernie Barnes and Frank Morrison

My theme is colorful and powerful. The reason I chose this is because the artist I chose love to you such a bold mixture of color in their paintings. They also convey how powerful African American culture is through the pieces that they have created. I chose these two artist because I believe they both complimented each other very well as far as them having a similar style of painting. Both artists use very bright colors when making their art but sometimes enjoy using more subtle colors. They also portray African Americans in a very positive way while still being real at the same time. Ernie Barnes always had eye for painting so he always knew from a young age that painting was his life’s dream. He enjoys to make pieces that have a lot going on in them instead of just one focal point. He liked to make pieces that reflect things that have happened in his or someone else s personal life. He also likes depicting places that where really important in the area that he grew up in. Frank Morrison started off as a graffiti artist and decided to make a transition into painting as a job. He likes to make pieces that have more of a focal point and don’t necessarily reflect things that have happened to him personally. He enjoys portraying African American as strong and beautiful. I hope that you enjoy the pieces I have chosen and that they drive you to look into other paintings by these artists.

Artist: Frank MorrisonTitle: FreedomYear: 2011

This painting uses a beautiful mixture of color with a black outline to help the viewer to focus on the woman in the center. This piece really expresses strong dance movement through the woman’s stance and placement of her arms. This piece also highly reflects African American culture through the print on the her skirt. The feel of this piece is free flowing just as the name of the painting suggest.

Artist: Frank MorrisonTitle: Dream CatcherYear: 2011

This is another piece by Frank that depicts a strong black woman. This piece is from his “Soul Sistas” collection. The woman’s open arms may be a reflection of her being open to new experiences and to chasing her dreams. He once again uses patterns that reflect African American culture and a beautiful color pattern to pull this painting together.

Artist: Frank MorrisonTitle: Little Hip HopYear: 2014

This painting is once again keeping in theme with using bright colors and depicting African American’s in a positive light. This piece shows the story of a young boy who has aspirations of making it big in the world of music when he grows older. The painting has many things scattered around like papers, shoes, etc. which is what helps draw the viewer in.

Artist: Frank MorrisonTitle: Speak EasyYear: 2011

This piece was a limited edition release by Frank Morrison. The painting depicts an African American soldier, from back in the day, who is at a bar getting a few drinks while chatting with a woman that he has met there. This piece is from Morrison’s “Romantic Collection” and uses great coloring that is a little more subtle than his usual bright choices.

Artist: Frank MorrisonTitle: RedYear: 2011

This piece goes back to using those bright colors that draws in the eyes. It depicts a man maybe from the 1940’s or 1950’s who may have lived in Harlem at the time. He gives off the vibe of being high rolling ladies man. The piece got it’s name because of the red jacket and hat that the man is wearing.

Artist: Ernie BarnesTitle: Sugar ShackYear: 1970

Ernie also enjoys using bright colors and scenes with many different things going on. This piece shows an old nightclub called the sugar shack and how it showed it’s visitors such a great time. You can see the live band on stage having the time of their life and the people dancing on the dance floor like the music is moving through their soul.

Artist: Ernie BarnesTitle: Room Ful’A SistahsYear: 1970’s

This painting depicts exactly what the title says a room full of sisters. This shows a room of woman having wonderful conversations while relaxing with friends. Maybe it’s a Friday afternoon and while all the husbands are out the woman are having a girls night. Again this is a very colorful painting with a lot going on.

Artist: Ernie BarnesTitle: Palace BarbershopYear: 1970’s

This painting reflects the opposite of the previous one. All the guys have met up at the barbershop for their weekly haircut while the woman are at home. You seen a loan woman, possibly a single mother, in the shop watching as her son gets his haircut. The colors are less vibrant than in the other paintings but still colorful.

Artist: Ernie Barnes Title: A Life RestoredYear: Early 2000’s

This piece was created because of Kanye West. He requested a painting after a he had near death, car accident, experience. You can see that it seems like the grim reaper is trying to get to the viewer but the Angel of life is swooping in to give back what has been lost. A very beautiful picture with a lot going on in the background.

Artist: Ernie BarnesTitle: The GraduateYear: No Date Provided

This painting was a personal reflection for Ernie. It shows how proud he was to have graduated because in his family and during that time it was a rare thing especially for an African American. You can see how proud he is by his long strides and his head being held so high. This painting uses neutral brown and black coloring instead of the normal in your face bright colors but it still makes a bold statement.