Bert L. Long, Jr.

"The History of Painting #1, " Acrylic on Canvas - Abstract painting

2008

This three-dimensional work incorporates an acrylic painting on canvas laid in a handmade red frame, adorned with scorched wooden planks, a stylized plaster heart, and an ice pick. The painting is a monochromatic depiction of icebergs protruding from the surface of water. While the imagery of the painting speaks to the visible outcome of artistic production, the frame and its adornments implore the viewer to consider the requisite materials necessary for creative actualization. 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. "Passion" 2012 Acrylic Paint, Wood Elements...

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 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 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 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...

This painting uses a triadic color scheme, giving a strong sense of visual contrast, while the subject matter alludes to notions of psychedelic materials. Bert L. Long Jr., was self...

Born in Persia Gohar Goddard was educated in France and the foothills of the Himalayas. She came to England in her teens, working for a variety of organisations including the British Council, Jaeger and the NHS. In mid career, she set up Ziggurat, an elegant shop in Kensington, specialising in luxury yarns, followed by the creation of her own design label, English Weather, specialising in cashmere knitwear and silk and cashmere scarves. Attracted to the ceramics of Lucie Roe, she then trained as a potter. Over the last twenty years she has devoted most of her time to painting and drawing, finding inspiration in the work of William Scott, Roger Hilton...

The collaboration between Keng Wai Lee and Marco Araldi is based on the contrast between the techniques used. Marco uses ink pen and gold, creating geometrical patterns and graphic i...

The collaboration between Keng Wai Lee and Marco Araldi is based on the contrast between the techniques used. Marco uses ink pen and gold, creating geometrical patterns and graphic i...

Born in Persia Gohar Goddard was educated in France and the foothills of the Himalayas. She came to England in her teens, working for a variety of organisations including the British Council, Jaeger and the NHS. In mid career, she set up Ziggurat, an elegant shop in Kensington, specialising in luxury yarns, followed by the creation of her own design label, English Weather, specialising in cashmere knitwear and silk and cashmere scarves. Attracted to the ceramics of Lucie Roe, she then trained as a potter. Over the last twenty years she has devoted most of her time to painting and drawing, finding inspiration in the work of William Scott, Roger Hilton...

Born in Persia Gohar Goddard was educated in France and the foothills of the Himalayas. She came to England in her teens, working for a variety of organisations including the British Council, Jaeger and the NHS. In mid career, she set up Ziggurat, an elegant shop in Kensington, specialising in luxury yarns, followed by the creation of her own design label, English Weather, specialising in cashmere knitwear and silk and cashmere scarves. Attracted to the ceramics of Lucie Roe, she then trained as a potter. Over the last twenty years she has devoted most of her time to painting and drawing, finding inspiration in the work of William Scott, Roger Hilton...

Born in Persia Gohar Goddard was educated in France and the foothills of the Himalayas. She came to England in her teens, working for a variety of organisations including the British Council, Jaeger and the NHS. In mid career, she set up Ziggurat, an elegant shop in Kensington, specialising in luxury yarns, followed by the creation of her own design label, English Weather, specialising in cashmere knitwear and silk and cashmere scarves...