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What is John Biggers’s purpose in making art?

1 Answer
What is John Biggers’s purpose in making art?
John Biggers's purpose in making art was to comment on socioeconomic and racial injustice. He was born on April 13, 1924, in North Carolina, and became interested in art while studying at Hampton University. Biggers died on January 25, 2001. You'll find a collection of John Biggers art on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Shop for John Thomas Biggers Art on 1stDibs
"Fanti Fishing Boat" Modern Abstract Figurative Woodcut Print 47 of 86
By John Thomas Biggers
Located in Houston, TX
Abstract figurative woodblock print of a beach landscape with a boat. The print is stamped by the artist and titled and editioned in pencil. This print is editioned 47 of 86 and the print is not currently framed. Artist Biography: Born in Gastonia, North Carolina in 1924, John Biggers studied at Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) under Viktor Lowenfeld and muralist Charles White. In 1943, Biggers' mural, Dying Soldier, was included in the exhibition curated by Lowenfeld, Young Negro Art, at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. After serving in the United States Navy, Biggers transferred to Pennsylvania State University where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as his doctorate in art education. In 1949, Biggers accepted a faculty position at Texas State University for Negroes (now Texas Southern University) in Houston, where he founded and chaired the art department until his retirement. In the early 50s, he won prizes for his work at annual exhibitions held at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and the Dallas Museum of Art. In 1957, he traveled to Africa on a UNESCO fellowship to study Western African cultural traditions, becoming one of the first black artists to study the culture first-hand rather than through library research. His work was profoundly influenced by his experiences in Africa. He was known for his murals, but also for his drawings, paintings, and lithographs, and was honored by a major traveling retrospective exhibition from 1995 to 1997. He created archetypal imagery that spoke positively to the rich and varied ethnic heritage of African Americans, long before the Civil Rights era drew...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Woodcut

"Family of Six, " Original Lithograph signed by John Thomas Biggers
By John Thomas Biggers
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Family of Six" is an original black and white lithograph by John Biggers. The artist signed and dated the piece in the lower right and titled and editioned it (AP III) in the lower ...
Category

1980s Contemporary Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Return II, Painting by John Biggers
By John Thomas Biggers
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: John Biggers, American (1924 - 2001) Title: Return II Year: circa 2000 Medium: Acrylic/Mixed Media on Canvas Size: 28 x 22 inches Signed and dated on reverse by Mrs. Hazel B...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

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