ROMARE BEARDEN: Artist as Activist

The "Romare Bearden: Artist as Activist" exhibition at the Nathan Cummings Foundation focuses on his experience as a social worker and commentator, providing a new context from which to view Bearden's emergence as a major visual artist of the twentieth century America.

This is a unique chance to support Revolution Books while seeing firsthand works described by playwright August Wilson as "the art of a large and generous spirit that defined not only the character of Black American life, but also its conscience." As a bookstore at the center of building a movement for revolution, Revolution Books values the deep insight into the world that Bearden's work delivers.

Proceeds from the guided tour will help continue the work of Revolution Books--a place where people find the books and engagement about the possibility of a radically new way the world could be. Admission is by sliding scale ($50/$25/$10). Contribute generously -- it matters. If you are going to be out of town, buy a ticket which we'll offer to someone who couldn't otherwise afford it.

Robert G. O'Meally will conduct the tour. He is one of the exhibition curators, the Zora Neale Hurston Professor of English at Columbia University and author of many books, and most recently Romare Bearden: Black Odyssey-- A Search for Home. Professor O'Meally will be joined on the tour by Diedra Harris-Kelley of the Romare Bearden Foundation, the organizers of the exhibition, and Andy Zee, spokesperson for Revolution Books.

Bearden (1911-1988) grew up in the heart of the Harlem Renaissance. His friends included Langston Hughes, W.E.B. DuBois, Alvin Ailey, George Grosz, Jacob Lawrence, and Duke Ellington who helped ignite Bearden's passion for jazz. In the 60s, Bearden began to create collages, an art form he soon mastered. "Bearden's collages bring to mind the... patchwork quilts, into which slaves once sewed coded messages about the Underground Railroad. Meaning literally came out of the seams." (NPR)

This tour will be a last chance to see this by-appointment-only exhibition which closes on July 22.

Thanks to the Romare Bearden Foundation who organized this exhibition and helped set up this evening's tour.
Curators: Diedra Harris-Kelley, Robert O'Meally and C. Daniel Dawson. Thanks also to the Nathan Cummings Foundation.

Tickets benefit Revolution Books, sliding scale: $50 / $25 / $10 (low income)
Light refreshments will be served.
Space is limited. To reserve, please call 212-691-3345 or email revbooksnyc@yahoo.com

Meet Wednesday, July 20, 6:00-7:30pm, at the Nathan Cummings Foundation, 475 Tenth Ave. between 36th and 37th Streets.