Purvis Young Painting Halo Head With Eye Gallery Framing Original Art

Description: This museum-quality original acrylic work on paper by Purvis Young holds both aesthetic beauty and historical significance. This piece is framed in a beautiful dark wood frame with limited glare glass. It is triple matted. Its size, including the frame measures 20.5 inches by 20.5 inches. The art is 11 inches by 8.5 inches. The work is not signed. This work features the famous Purvis Young halo head. What is interesting is there is what looks like the outline of an iris, which would mean there is possibly a double-meaning to the work. The man pictured, presumably Purvis Young is a saint with halo, but there is also an eye to signify he is being watched. This work is composed with his signature loose style. The work is not signed, but will be accompanied by a COA. Purvis Young's journey as an artist is a compelling one. He faced various labels throughout his career, such as outsider artist, black artist, and even the "Picasso of the Ghetto." However, Young expressed his desire to be recognized simply as an artist, emphasizing that painting was what he had been doing his entire life. His dedication to his craft is evident in the thousands of paintings, drawings, and sketchbooks produced over the course of forty years. The artist recounted a pivotal moment in his life, which occurred while serving a prison sentence for breaking and entering. He woke up one night and saw angels who assured him they would pave the way for his artistic journey. This led Purvis Young back to his hometown of Overtown, Miami, where he found inspiration in his community's stories, people, and the materials that surrounded him. Motivated by the 1967 Wall of Respect mural project in Chicago's south side, Purvis began his visual chronicle of life in Overtown. He painted numerous pictures and displayed them on abandoned buildings in Good Bread Alley. His canvases were made from bits and pieces of discarded materials, such as cardboard, old plywood, broken furniture, fabric scraps, books, nails, and other debris collected from the streets. These artworks not only showcased Young's incredible talent but also served as a commentary on the destruction and turmoil that plagued his community. The Good Bread Alley project caught the attention of art collectors, including Dr. Bernard Davis and the Rubell family, who became avid supporters and patrons of Young's work. The Rubell family, in particular, purchased his entire studio collection, totaling approximately 3,000 artworks. Their generous donations of Purvis Young's work to major art institutions helped solidify his place in art history. Additionally, the Miami-Dade Public Library System played an important role in Young's artistic journey. Barbara Young and Margarita Cano, employees of the library system, noticed Purvis's passion for knowledge and his hours spent pouring over books about renowned artists such as Rembrandt, El Greco, and van Gogh. This eventually led to various mural commissions for public libraries, as well as the provision of discarded library books that served as sketchbooks for Young's endless ideas and drawings. This museum-quality original black marker on paper by Purvis Young is not only a visually stunning piece of artwork but also holds historical importance. Created in the later years of Young's life, this painting's inclusion in the famous "30/30 Rabbit, Possum" book adds an intriguing narrative. Purvis Young's artistic journey, influenced by his community and fueled by his passion for knowledge, has left a legacy of art that continues to be enjoyed and appreciate in value. In December 2023, a Purvis Young painting set a world record price with an approximate selling price at auction of $350,000.

Price: 575 USD

Location: Omaha, Nebraska

End Time: 2024-10-17T21:51:20.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD