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January 28, 2013
Luscious Lucite
We have a fabulous collection of vintage Lucite handbags coming up in our February 14 Valentine SWAG Auction. Get the skinny here on the history and collectability of these perennial favorites. MOREThom Pegg presents African American Artists
April 21, 2012
Lot: 125Lot: 126A 
 Embed this image:  | LOT 126Wadsworth Jarrell, (African American; 1929 - ), Dizzie Gillespie, Pencil drawing on paper, 7 3/4" x 5 5/8"Estimate: $600.00 - $800.00 Realized: $300 Wadsworth Jarrell (African American; 1929 - ) Dizzie Gillespie Pencil drawing on paper c. 1980. Signed LR. Born in Albany , Georgia , Wadsworth Jarrell's artworks continue to capture recurring themes of the working life of African-Americans in Chicago , as well as the sights and sounds of jazz musicians. After serving in Korea with the U.S. Army, Jarrell moved to Chicago and, inspired by his first museum visits, enrolled in the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (1954-58). In the late 1960's, he opened WJ Studio and Gallery, where he hosted regional artists and musicians. His gallery became an important focal point for African-American art in Chicago . In the mid 1960's, following tumultuous local racial violence, Jarrell became involved in the Organization of Black American Culture. Together in 1967, they created "The Wall of Respect", a mural depicting African-American heroes. For his part, he focused on rhythm and blues, featuring portrayals of James Brown, B.B. King, Billie Holiday, Muddy Waters, Aretha Franklin, and Dinah Washington. In 1969, he co-founded AFRICOBRA: African Commune of Bad Relevant Artists. The group showed extensively, becoming known for sociopolitical themes and use of "coolade colors." Jarrell continues to explore the contemporary African-American experience through paintings, sculptures, and prints. His work is found at the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, the High Museum of Art, The Studio Museum in Harlem, and the University of Delaware . 7 3/4" x 5 5/8" |
