Romare Bearden (1911-1988)
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Romare Bearden (1911-1988) was an African-American painter whose works spanned the mediums of collage, cartoons, and oils. In addition to the visual arts, he was also a writer and composer. He is known for his depictions of religious subjects and everyday life, part of his quest to bring humanity back into a soulless world.
Bearden was born in Charlotte, North Carolina; he and his family moved to New York City shortly thereafter. His interest in art blossomed as a student at New York University after transferring from Lincoln University and Boston University. Although he received a degree in science and education, his growing interest in art led him to continue his studies under George Grosz at the Art Students League. Throughout his studies, he often worked as a cartoonist for a variety of different publications, many aimed specifically at the African-American market. His paintings often reflected life in the South.
Romare Bearden's time in the United States Army during World War II changed his artistic outlook. He began to create art not with an eye for a specific style but for the emotions that he experienced during the war. By trying to capture a sense of humanity in his works, he tried to make up for the lack of humanity that he found in war. Studies in philosophy at the Sorbonne in France in 1950 further strengthened this viewpoint. Due to his non-adherence to any particular style, his works often straddled the line between representational and abstract, leading galleries with a more precise artistic goal to be reluctant to show his work despite his growing popularity. During this time, Bearden turned more to songwriting, focusing on his musical talent. He also married and purchased a second home on the island of St. Maarten in the Caribbean.
In the 1960s, Bearden was a founding member of The Spiral, a group consisting of African-American artists; the artists in The Spiral did not conform to any specific style but instead focussed on promoting the works of African-American artists. Bearden began to focus on collage in response to the growing civil rights movement of the time. Due to the advent of glossy paper in magazines, Bearden was able to experiment with the shiny finish in order to develop his art style further. In addition, he found work painting murals. He continued painting into his old age, receiving the National Medal of Arts in 1987 for his work.
Bearden passed away in 1988 from bone cancer. In 1990, his estate founded The Romare Bearden Foundation, an organization which gives grants to emerging artists. His works continue to be featured in shows today.
Bearden was born in Charlotte, North Carolina; he and his family moved to New York City shortly thereafter. His interest in art blossomed as a student at New York University after transferring from Lincoln University and Boston University. Although he received a degree in science and education, his growing interest in art led him to continue his studies under George Grosz at the Art Students League. Throughout his studies, he often worked as a cartoonist for a variety of different publications, many aimed specifically at the African-American market. His paintings often reflected life in the South.
Romare Bearden's time in the United States Army during World War II changed his artistic outlook. He began to create art not with an eye for a specific style but for the emotions that he experienced during the war. By trying to capture a sense of humanity in his works, he tried to make up for the lack of humanity that he found in war. Studies in philosophy at the Sorbonne in France in 1950 further strengthened this viewpoint. Due to his non-adherence to any particular style, his works often straddled the line between representational and abstract, leading galleries with a more precise artistic goal to be reluctant to show his work despite his growing popularity. During this time, Bearden turned more to songwriting, focusing on his musical talent. He also married and purchased a second home on the island of St. Maarten in the Caribbean.
In the 1960s, Bearden was a founding member of The Spiral, a group consisting of African-American artists; the artists in The Spiral did not conform to any specific style but instead focussed on promoting the works of African-American artists. Bearden began to focus on collage in response to the growing civil rights movement of the time. Due to the advent of glossy paper in magazines, Bearden was able to experiment with the shiny finish in order to develop his art style further. In addition, he found work painting murals. He continued painting into his old age, receiving the National Medal of Arts in 1987 for his work.
Bearden passed away in 1988 from bone cancer. In 1990, his estate founded The Romare Bearden Foundation, an organization which gives grants to emerging artists. His works continue to be featured in shows today.