Charles Henry Alston (American, 1907-1977)Attributed: Oil on canvas, signed lower right. Br>
Charles Henry Alston was an African-American painter, sculptor, illustrator, muralist and teacher who lived and worked in the New York City neighborhood of Harlem. He was active in the Harlem Renaissance and was the first African-American supervisor for the Works Progress Administration's Federal Art Project. In 1950, he became the first African-American instructor at the Art Students League, where he remained on faculty until 1971. In 1950, his work 'Painting' was exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and his artwork was one of few purchased by the museum. He landed his first solo exhibition in 1953 at the John Heller Gallery, which represented artists such as Roy Lichtenstein. He exhibited there five times from 1953 to 1958.

The artist Romare Bearden, who was also his cousin, described Alston as "...one of the most versatile artists whose enormous skill led him to a diversity of styles..." Bearden also describes the professionalism and impact that Alston had on Harlem and the African-American community: "'was a consummate artist and a voice in the development of African American art who never doubted the excellence of all people's sensitivity and creative ability. During his long professional career, Alston significantly enriched the cultural life of Harlem. In a profound sense, he was a man who built bridges between Black artists in varying fields, and between other Americans. Alston was commissioned to design and paint murals at the Harlem Hospital and the Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Building. In 1990 Alston's bust of Martin Luther King, Jr. became the first image of an African American displayed at the White House.

Dimensions: 21.5 x 39" canvas

Good aged condition: canvas stretched on thin warped stretchers, surface dirt on front and back. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions prior to bidding. Color fidelity of photos presented is not guaranteed. Lack of a condition statement does not imply that a lot is perfect. Please examine photos read descriptions and contact the Gallery with any questions prior to bidding.