Viola Burley Leak

Motif. Abstract, African American Artist Viola Leak Woodcut Silkscreen Print

1982

Motif (Abstract) in lavender purple. From the small edition of 10. from 1982. I am not sure if this is a woodcut or woodblock print or a silkscreen screenprint or some combination. Viola Burley Leak, American (1944 - ) Viola Leak was born in Nashville, Tennessee, she received a B.A. in Art from Fisk University, a B.F.A. in Fashion Design from Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, an M.A. from Hunter College, NY and an M.F.A. in Media from Howard University, Washington, DC. Leak was an art consultant for both the New York State Board of Education and the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Print Department, in addition to working for the Experimental Gallery of Art at the Smithsonian Institute. Her mixed media work often references religious motifs and those of her African-American experience and heritage. She is a multimedia artist, her works include printmaking, textile designing, soft sculpture, appliqué tapestries, doll making, and multi-media. Viola has studied with many renowned artists such as Aaron Douglas, Romare Bearden, Robert Blackburn, and Charles White. Her works can be found in the collections of World Federation of United Nations, New York State Office Building, Manufacturers of Hanover Trust Company, Atlanta Life Insurance Company and many more organizations. Viola's exhibition experience is extensive - more than 100 showings over a decade, national and international. Her quilts exude a miraculous and magical presence. They have traveled in two international shows and three national quilt projects in the past three years. A proud moment for her was being featured in the December 20, 2000 of the Smithsonian magazine; the article praised her mural "Afro Dance Scan" as one of the outstanding artworks in the "When the Spirit Moves: African American Dance in History and Art" exhibit. This fine artist has taught art at several prestigious universities, conducted art workshops for the Smithsonian Institution, worked as an Art Specialist for the District of Columbia Public Schools, and toy designer for Ideal Toy Company. She has been sold in Swann Auction Galleries African-American Fine Art sales. (alongside Henry Ossawa Tanner, Dox thrash, Elizabeth Catlett, Beauford Delaney, Kara Walker and Carrie Mae Weems amongst other greats) Select Exhibitions: Gallery Serengeti, Capitol Heights, MD – Saluting Women in the Fine Arts, featuring Gwen Aqui, Jenne Glover, Viola Leak, Tamara Little, Evelyn Holland-Walker The Charles Sumner...

R.B. Kitaj (British American 1932-2007) Hand signed and numbered Screenprint Measures approximately 24.5 X 16.65 inches This is from the Robert Creeley daybook. They were done in ...