Lois Mailou Jones: A Life in Vibrant Color
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens newest exhibition portrays a dynamic fusion of fine art and real life.
Loïs Mailou Jones, Mère du Senegal, 1985. Acrylic. Courtesy of the Loïs Mailou Jones Pierre-Noël Trust.
The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is presenting a rich array of work by pioneering and accomplished 20th-century artist, Loïs Mailou Jones. This exhibition, on display through January 4, 2013, spans 70 years of Jones’ painting career and includes more than 60 works of art, from the late Harlem Renaissance to her contemporary fusion of African, Caribbean, American, and African American iconography.
Jones (1905-1998) was born in Boston and attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. After graduating, Jones began her career as a textile designer during a time when racial prejudices and gender discrimination encompassed American culture. Because textile designers remained anonymous, she decided to pursue a career in fine arts. Jones integrated the encounters and influences she had throughout her lifetime into her art. Producing figurative and narrative paintings, that explore both personal and social themes.
In addition to being a prominent artist, Jones was also a noted educator of the arts, teaching painting and related subjects for 47 years at Howard University. Jones’ work and passion for the arts inspired her students and several generations of African American artists. Jones received recognition in her lifetime through exhibitions and representations in important museum collections. Her work remains a substantial and remarkable contribution to the world of American art.
Loïs Mailou Jones: A Life in Vibrant Color is organized by the Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte, NC, in collaboration with the Loïs Mailou Jones Pierre-Noël Trust, and toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC. The exhibition is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.
More paintings on the next page:
Loïs Mailou Jones, Babelle, Paris, 1937. Oil on canvas. Courtesy of the Loïs Mailou Jones Pierre-Noël Trust.
Loïs Mailou Jones, Nature Morte aux Corail, Haiti, 1985. Watercolor. Courtesy of the Loïs Mailou Jones Pierre-Noël Trust.
More paintings on the next page:
Loïs Mailou Jones, Street Vendors, Port au Prince, Haiti, 1978. Acrylic. Courtesy of the Loïs Mailou Jones Pierre-Noël Trust.
Loïs Mailou Jones, Marché aux Puces Rue Médard, Paris, 1938. Gouache on board. Courtesy of the Loïs Mailou Jones Pierre-Noël Trust.
Special Events Throughout The Exhibition
Talks and Tea
Wednesday and Thursday, October 17 and 18, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.
Seated gallery talks with afternoon tea and refreshments following.
Members and Non-members $6 per person, includes lecture, tea and admission to the Museum and Gardens.
Community Night
Tuesday, October 23, 4 to 8 p.m.
Live music, art-making, hands-on activities, gallery tours and much more as we celebrate the exhibition.
Free Tuesdays sponsored by Florida Blue.
LaVilla: “Harlem of the South” – Bus Tour
Saturday, November 3, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Travel through Jacksonville’s LaVilla neighborhood on this stimulating bus tour that explores the rich history of this cultural area. From the Ritz Museum and Theatre to the old Globe Theatre, now the Clara White Mission, hear stories of the famous musicians who contributed to the hotbed of artistic expression that took place right here in our home town. Tour will be followed by a delicious soul food meal and live music from the Harlem Renaissance.
Members $45 and Non-member $55
Jazz, Jacksonville & the Harlem Renaissance
Wednesday, November 28, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy an evening at The Cummer where we will examine Jacksonville’s artistic ties to the Harlem Renaissance. Lecture provided by Director Hope McMath and Chief Curator Holly Keris, followed by cocktails and live jazz.
Members $25 and Non-members $35
Like The Cummer on Facebook
Follow The Cummer on Twitter