Forty Four paintings, drawings or sculptures, not to mention a quilt of life by Faith Ringgold are illustrated–each with a gentle estimate brilliantly organized by the illustrious specialist Nigel Freeman, the go-to gentleman for African American art at auction.
Artists whose work Maya Angelou treasured: Elizabeth Catlett, Samella Lewis and John Biggers (three of my personal favorites) plus Charles Sebree, Tom Feelings, Herman Bailey, Bernard Casey, Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, Richard Yarde, Jonathan Green, Eldzier Cortor, Paul Goodnight (whose portraits are reminiscent of Nicolai Fechin), Dinizulu Gene Tinnie, Phoebe Beasley, Artis Lane, Alonzo Adams, James McKissic, Charly Palmer, Willis Bing Davis and Melvin Edwards.
NOT to mention a painting by Maya Angelou titled The Protector of Home and Family (naturally a woman is the protector outfitted with a shotgun), signed simply “Maya”. The catalogue states “We believe this remarkable painting is the first known visual art work by Dr. Maya Angelou to be publicly exhibited or offered for sale, painted in the winter of 1969, shortly after her completion of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”
The introduction is a poignant sharing written by Dr. Angelou’s son, Guy Johnson. He wrote “Each piece that she acquired (over 500 we are told), spoke to her. She loved to sit and study her art and wonder what dreams or nightmares inspired the artist to create it.”
This sale is a celebration of this remarkably sensitive artist-poet. It represents an opportunity to realign her chosen art companions with the next generation of art custodians.
Dr. Angelou’s eye for art is quite inspiring ! Will it rub off on future art collectors of America and beyond ?
Corinne Cain of SavvyCollector.com