(1911-1988)
Considered one of America’s greatest artists, Bearden grew up in New York during the Harlem Renaissance. He was a member of the Spiral Group. Bearden’s work is included in important public collections and was a recipient of the President’s National Medal of Arts.
Romare Bearden was a prominent American artist celebrated for his diverse use of media, including oil paintings, collages, and cartoons. Beyond his artistic endeavors, Bearden was also a writer, songwriter, and an advocate for art and social justice during his era.
Bearden was born on September 2, 1911, in Charlotte, North Carolina. His family participated in the Great Migration, relocating to New York City. He spent much of his youth in New York and Pittsburgh.
During his childhood, Bearden began exploring art with a friend, creating cartoons for fun. He later pursued formal art education at Boston University and The Art Students League. He eventually earned a degree in education from New York University, where he served as a cartoonist and art editor for the monthly magazine The Medley. Additionally, he worked as an editorial cartoonist for the Baltimore Afro-American. His artwork graced the covers of prominent publications, including Fortune and Time magazines, among others.
In the early stages of his artistic journey, Bearden depicted life in the South, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the African American community. He later reflected on his experiences in the U.S. Army during World War II through his art. In the 1960s, he gained recognition for his collage work, and The New York Times later honored him as “the nation’s foremost collagist” in his obituary. He also authored and co-authored several books and collaborated on jazz music projects.
Bearden achieved numerous significant milestones during his career. He was one of the original members of Spiral, a group dedicated to promoting African American artists and aiding the civil rights movement. In 1964, he took on the role of art director for the Harlem Cultural Council. Additionally, he co-founded the Cinque Gallery to support emerging minority artists. Bearden was elected to prestigious organizations such as the American Academy of Design and the National Institute of Arts and Letters. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Ronald Reagan in 1987.
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