Archibald Motley has to be one of the most prolific, iconic Chicago-based geniuses of his time. The Chicago Cultural Center on Randolph Street is featuring Archibald Motley exhibit through Aug. 31, 2015. Motley showcases the mood of jazz and love during his era. Recognized with the Guggenheim Fellowship, Motley was able to consume the French styles and approach to painting and yet the subject of his community and cultural relevance are also evident.
Motley brings us into all of the locations that could be spotted when one was in Chicago during its artistic renaissance. Whether it was jazz artists with their faces being shown in motion, Motley connected with them. Motley guides us through the elements of love and culture, from a gambling scene, to a speakeasy, to the vision of a female nude, he always presented a true depiction of a situation.
His self-portraits capture the essence of the ability to paint realistically. He gave life to African Americans by presenting us richly and honestly on canvas.
Formally trained at the Chicago Art Institute, Motley had no problem tasting the Midwest from picnics to the very close proximity’s to life in the African-American space and mood of somber relevance of riches in class.
Motley’s art speaks as eloquently as Langston Hughes’ poems when it comes to the Black experience in America. The rich colors that flow from his tubes to his paintbrush offer up pride, not shame, offer up love for our race and our community. Motley shows he’s a master with every brushstroke.
Take the time to go see the exhibit at the Chicago Cultural Center. It’s free. We question whether we need to be validated by others. In Motley’s work there is no need for validation, that is clear.
Thank you Archibald Motley for all that you have given us to reflect back on so that Black culture holds true to the reality of who we are, no matter how the outside world depicts us. Strength can be seen in Archibald Motley’s perspective of Black culture.
