Jacob Lawrence: Painting Life
Stroum Gallery
July 2, 1998 – September 27, 1998
For over sixty years Jacob Lawrence’s paintings gave visual form to the cultural, political and economic history of this country. The artwork of Jacob Lawrence reflected social observations of his extended community in much the same way it described his own life experiences. This exhibition traced Lawrence’s career and work thematically, through six decades of his paintings, acknowledging the events that shaped his personal and artistic decisions. This exhibition honored Mr. Lawrence in his 81st year for his significant contributions, including powerful works reflecting the lives and struggles of African Americans. As an educator and professor emeritus at the University of Washington he distinguished himself as a dedicated scholar and teacher, influencing countless students and other artists and working to raise the consciousness of the art world to the history and imagery of the American experience. “Painting Life” was organized by the Henry Art Gallery with guest curator Beth Sellars and included works from important public and private collections from coast to coast.