Later in 2019 the Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art and the Christian-Green Gallery at the University of Texas at Austin will hold exhibitions of work by the renowned and legendary American artist, Charles White. This display, of material relating to Charles White's extraordinary practices, anticipates these exhibitions.

Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1918, White, who died at the relatively young age of 61 in 1979, was a highly skilled and accomplished draughtsman, painter, printmaker and muralist. He dedicated his life to his art, which was characterized by its commitment to depicting African Americans as dignified, resilient survivors. His drawings of Black Americans resonated with hope, fortitude, humanity and culture. With a highly distinctive drawing style, White established himself as one of the most respected, admired and appreciated African American artists of the 20th century. His drawings, though in some respects hugely accessible, were nuanced creations embodying many layers of meaning, history and culture. White’s work readily lent itself to wider dissemination and to this end was extensively used to illustrate book jackets, record sleeves and other printed materials.

This display has been assembled by Professor Eddie Chambers, of the Department of Art and Art History, from materials he has collected over a number of years. It is on view in the Fine Arts Library.