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