Bert L. Long, Jr.

"Passion, " Acrylic Paint, Wood Elements, Icepick and Painted Plaster Heart

2012

This work consists of an acrylic painting on canvas laid in a handmade frame of plaster and pine. The imagery of the painting, as implied by the title and crucifix near the center of...

This work features an acrylic painting on canvas suspended between two wooden planks. The treatment of the painting appears visceral and rambunctious - congested with abstract and sy...

This precious work that is dedicated to Long’s first wife, Connie, who passed away from cancer, is an acrylic painting on canvas encapsulated in a custom, hand-made, plaster frame - characteristic of many classic Long works... Bert L. Long Jr., was self-taught artist, was born in 1940 in Texas, grew up the Houston’s historic Fifth Ward and received his formal education from UCLA. Following a career as a successful master chef, Long decided to devote himself entirely to art in the late 1970’s. He began to explore folk art and assemblage to create a unique body of work, attracting the attention of Jim Harithas, then Director of the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, and artists John Alexander, Salvatore Scarpitta and James Surls. His life spanned an era of radical change in the American social climate, the influence of which can be seen clearly in his work. Long’s paintings and sculptures incorporate a high level of skill and sophisticated knowledge of art history, along with complex philosophical and social issues.  Long describes the philosophy behind his work as "a quest to help people diagnose their inner self," believing his art to be "the vehicle to help facilitate the process." “As artists we have the obligation to provide the world with art which communicates as truth. I believe that art has the power to heal our souls of their afflictions. I try to create art which helps to diagnose the prevalent conditions within our societies, hopefully providing an insightfulness which will help us all become brothers and sisters united in equality and compassion”                                       - Bert L. Long, Jr. The late Peter Marzio, former Director of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, said of Bert Long during the major retrospective of Long’s work at the museum: “Bert Long does not avert his gaze from that which is painful, but as [his artworks] testify, he also brings a spirit of joy and redemption to his art. We can all learn from this great artist.” Over Long’s 33-year career as a painter, sculptor, and photographer, he had several solo exhibitions at respected museums and was awarded many significant awards including the National Endowment for the Arts Grant in 1987 and the prestigious international Prix de Rome fellowship in 1990. Other notable awards of Long’s include the Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts Artist of the Year Award in 2009, the Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Foundation Emergency Assistance Grant in 1997, the Houston Art League Texas Artist of the Year in 1990, the NEA Visual Artists Fellowship Grant, 1987 and the Bemis Foundation Residency in 1998. His work can be seen in over 100 private and public collections worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, the Dallas Museum of Art, the Houston Museum of Fine Art, the Blanton Museum of Art, Austin, the El Paso Museum of Art, and the Instituto de Bachillerato in Spain. With a recent solo exhibition at the Houston Museum of African American Culture and an exhibition overseas which is pending featuring his work, plus interest from several national museums, Bert L. Long Jr. continues to be recognized as an important African American artist throughout Texas, nationally and internationally. Bert L. Long, Jr. "Dear" 1989 Acrylic on Canvas with Painted Plaster Frame...

This work resembles a colorful abstraction of a terrarium inhabited by geometric and organic forms alike. Bert L. Long Jr., was self-taught artist, was born in 1940 in Texas, grew ...

This work is an intense and colorful acrylic painting on canvas. All content remains entirely non-objective, emphasizing color and movement as the primary aspects of this wild and energetic composition. Bert L. Long Jr., was self-taught artist, was born in 1940 in Texas, grew up the Houston’s historic Fifth Ward and received his formal education from UCLA. Following a career as a successful master chef, Long decided to devote himself entirely to art in the late 1970’s. He began to explore folk art and assemblage to create a unique body of work, attracting the attention of Jim Harithas, then Director of the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, and artists John Alexander, Salvatore Scarpitta and James Surls. His life spanned an era of radical change in the American social climate, the influence of which can be seen clearly in his work. Long’s paintings and sculptures incorporate a high level of skill and sophisticated knowledge of art history, along with complex philosophical and social issues.  Long describes the philosophy behind his work as "a quest to help people diagnose their inner self," believing his art to be "the vehicle to help facilitate the process." “As artists we have the obligation to provide the world with art which communicates as truth. I believe that art has the power to heal our souls of their afflictions. I try to create art which helps to diagnose the prevalent conditions within our societies, hopefully providing an insightfulness which will help us all become brothers and sisters united in equality and compassion”                                       - Bert L. Long, Jr. The late Peter Marzio, former Director of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, said of Bert Long during the major retrospective of Long’s work at the museum: “Bert Long does not avert his gaze from that which is painful, but as [his artworks] testify, he also brings a spirit of joy and redemption to his art. We can all learn from this great artist.” Over Long’s 33-year career as a painter, sculptor, and photographer, he had several solo exhibitions at respected museums and was awarded many significant awards including the National Endowment for the Arts Grant in 1987 and the prestigious international Prix de Rome fellowship in 1990. Other notable awards of Long’s include the Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts Artist of the Year Award in 2009, the Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Foundation Emergency Assistance Grant in 1997, the Houston Art League Texas Artist of the Year in 1990, the NEA Visual Artists Fellowship Grant, 1987 and the Bemis Foundation Residency in 1998. His work can be seen in over 100 private and public collections worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, the Dallas Museum of Art, the Houston Museum of Fine Art, the Blanton Museum of Art, Austin, the El Paso Museum of Art, and the Instituto de Bachillerato in Spain. With a recent solo exhibition at the Houston Museum of African American Culture and an exhibition overseas which is pending featuring his work, plus interest from several national museums, Bert L. Long Jr. continues to be recognized as an important African American artist throughout Texas, nationally and internationally. Bert L. Long, Jr. "The History of Painting...

This painting typifies the beginning of Long’s artistic journey. Having just recently entered the artistic arena at the time of its conception, this work demonstrates the technique a...

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Martin Adalian "Park Life" Acrylic, Oil, Tar on Canvas 62.5 x 47.75 in. Martin Adalian "Afternoon Garden" Acrylic, Oil, Tar on Canvas 62.75 x 47.75 in. ___________________ Martir...

Art has always been a medium to express emotions, tell stories, and convey messages. The artwork titled "Have My Back" is a stunning portrayal of the bond between two women, showcasing the essence of trust, support, and camaraderie. In today's world, the tale of success is often portrayed as a one-person journey, highlighting the individual's hard work, perseverance, and determination. However, this artwork brings to light the indispensable role that trusted mentors and colleagues play in one's journey toward success. The artwork features two women, standing shoulder to shoulder. The women's posture exudes confidence, determination, and a sense of unity. The use of vibrant colors adds a sense of vibrancy to the artwork, creating a visually appealing image. The title of the artwork, "Have My Back," reinforces the idea of trust and support. It speaks volumes about the bond between the two women, highlighting the fact that they are each other's trusted confidants, supporters, and cheerleaders. The artwork's message is particularly relevant in today's world, where women often find themselves struggling to break the glass ceiling and establish themselves in their respective fields. The artwork reminds us that success is not a solo journey, but a collective effort, with the support of trusted mentors and colleagues. The use of two women in the artwork is particularly significant, as women have historically faced significant challenges in their professional and personal lives. The artwork challenges the traditional narrative of women as competitors and highlights the importance of collaboration and support among women. In conclusion, the artwork titled "Have My Back" is a powerful representation of the role that trusted mentors and colleagues play in one's journey toward success. The artwork's message is particularly relevant in today's world, where women often face significant challenges in their professional and personal lives. It reminds us that behind every great tale of success, there is an indispensable circle of trusted mentors and colleagues, and that success is a collective effort. Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Roseleen Labazacchy, a true Nigerian born in the year 2000 and based in Ibadan, Oyo state Nigeria. Roseleen holds a National Certificate of Education in Fine Art from Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo State. She is a mixed-media painter. Roseleen was exposed to art from a very young age; Her father being an artist himself enrolled her in the popular Nike Art Gallery at a very young age to learn traditional Adire making, a skill she still practices to date. This was how she started art professionally and she has been getting better at what she does since then. In the just-concluded international art exhibition and competition organized by Talentia Foundation, Roseleen Labazacchy who participated in the competition amidst other international artists came first in the Mix Media category and was presented with a certificate of achievement in recognition of her artistic endeavor. Roseleen uses oil and acrylic with fabrics on canvas to consciously project African women's dignity and true African beauty. As an African painter, Roseleen hopes to bring about the emancipation of the true African Women image...

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