Romare Bearden
- Born:
- September 2, 1911, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
- Died:
- March 12, 1988, New York City, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Artist, Writer, Songwriter
Early Life and Education
- Romare Bearden was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, and moved to Harlem, New York City, as a young child.
- His home became a meeting place for prominent figures of the Harlem Renaissance.
- He graduated from Lincoln University in 1935 with a degree in education.
- He studied art at the Art Students League of New York with George Grosz.
- Further studies included the Sorbonne in Paris and extensive travel in Europe.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his artistic career in the 1930s, initially working in a social realist style.
- Developed his signature collage style in the 1960s, incorporating diverse materials and techniques.
- His collages often depicted African American life, history, and culture.
- Wrote and co-wrote several books on art and art history.
- Was a founding member of the Black Academy of Arts and Letters.
- Received the National Medal of Arts in 1987.
Notable Works
- The Prevalence of Ritual: Baptism (1964)
- The Dove (1964)
- Patchwork Quilt (1970)
- Numerous jazz-themed collages.
Legacy and Impact
Romare Bearden's significant contributions to American art lie in his innovative collage technique and his powerful depictions of African American experiences. Considered one of the most important American artists of the 20th century, a detailed "romare bearden biography and facts outline" demonstrates the breadth and depth of his impact on art and culture. His work continues to inspire artists and scholars interested in issues of race, identity, and social justice. The Romare Bearden Foundation supports young and emerging artists.
Notable Works
Title | Year | Medium |
---|---|---|
The Prevalence of Ritual: Baptism | 1964 | Collage of various papers, photostats, cloth, and paint on composition board |
The Dove | 1964 | Collage |
Patchwork Quilt | 1970 | Collage |