Abstract Expressionist Norman Lewis

Conveying a passion for jazz music with lyrical fine lines the oil painting is a trailblazing work by the lone african american abstract expressionist of the time. The subject of the show the american painter norman wilfred lewis 1909 1979 is considered to have been the only black artist amongst the first generation of abstract expressionists. Norman lewis worked in harlem a predominantly african american neighborhood in new york city known for its artistic musical and literary accomplishments.

Abstract expressionism shapes lines and non objective styles became an influential movement that helped put nyc at the center of the western art world.

Abstract expressionist norman lewis. Lewis who was african american and of bermudian descent was associated with abstract expressionism and used representational strategies to focus on black urban life and his communitys struggles. Norman wilfred lewis july 23 1909 august 27 1979 was an american painter scholar and teacher. Norman wilfred lewis july 23 1909 august 27 1979 was an american painter scholar and teacher. New york born lewis began his career during the 1930 s as a social realist.

His work is completely distinctive from that of his peers following aesthetic and intellectual threads that endow it with a sense of freshness and ingenuity even today. Born and raised in harlem norman lewis was one of the few black abstract expressionists. His work which depicts african american life urban living and his communitys struggles is characterized by both abstraction and representation without straying too far into the world of the subjective. He shifted from an overtly figural style depicting bread lines evictions and police brutality to non objective abstraction in the 1950 s but remained active and consciously aware of social inequities particularly those faced by african americans.

Norman lewis in full norman wilfred lewis born july 23 1909 new york new york usdied august 27 1979 new york city abstract expressionist painter and teacher who diverged from his native harlem community of artists in choosing abstraction over representation as his mode of expression. Despite lewiss disavowl of protest paintings and social realism the artist continued to confront social issues throughout his career although mediated through abstract expressionism. Norman lewis a leading african american painter was an important member of the abstract expressionism movement who also used representational strategies to focus on black urban life and his communitys struggles. Lewiss work is characterized by the duality of abstraction and representation using both geometric and natural forms in the depiction of both the city and natural world and expressing both righteous anger and joyous celebration.

Jazz was improvisational and expressive and several abstract expressionists including jackson pollock cite listening to the music while painting. Lewis who was african american and of bermudian descent was associated with abstract expressionism and used representational strategies to focus on black urban life and his communitys struggles. Abstract expressionism and jazz many artists are influenced by the music of their time. Here is a forceful political painting which directly attacks american racism.