John Thomas Biggers (1924–2001) was an African American muralist who came to prominence after the Harlem Renaissance and toward the end of World War II. Dr. Biggers was born in Gastonia, North Carolina and attended the Lincoln Academy, the Hampton Institute, and then Pennsylvania State University from which he earned a doctorate in 1954. His works can be found on the campus of Hampton University (formerly Institute), primarily in the campus library. Dr. Biggers founded the art department at Texas State University for Negroes, now Texas Southern University, in 1949. Biggers received a fellowship from UNESCO, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, in 1957 allowing him to become one of the first African American artists to visit Africa. Walls That Speak is a richly illustrated update of an earlier edition published in 1996. The artist completed new murals between its publication and his death in 2001. In addition to the inclusion of the new murals, Theisen has added a chapter on Biggerss African art collection. The only work exclusively dedicated to his murals, this book will appeal to all those interested in murals or African American art.As a result of her friendship with Dr. Biggers, Dr. Theisen clearly has unique access to the works that are now held by the Biggers estate. Her interviews provide a deeply personal insight into the mind of this remarkable man and the symbols he employed in his art.—R. William McCarter, Regents Professor of Art, University of North Texas.
Posted on: Sun, 27 Jul 2014 20:28:25 +0000
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