Romare Bearden’s (1911–1988,
American) distinguished career is defined
by the art of collage and photomontage
depicting aspects of African-American
life. Bearden’s work established an
ongoing dialogue between tradition and
innovation and drew inspiration from
African sculpture, masks, and textiles, as
well as Western painting traditions such
as Byzantine mosaics, early Renaissance
painting, and the work of Paul Cézanne
and Henri Matisse. His depictions of
the Southern black and Northern urban
experiences reflects an improvisational
approach that, by his own admission,
is akin to jazz and blues composition.
Bearden forged his own path and vision
outside of any artistic movement and
continues to influence artists across
cultures and generations.
–Affinities and Outliers: Highlights from the University at Albany Fine Art Collections