As we continue to recognize Black ART History Month, one place where art flows directly from Africa to the United States is in the coastal plains and the Sea Islands of 4 southeastern states. The people are known as the "Gullah" and maintain certain features of African language in their "creole" speaking.
As with their language, Gullah people also retained and mixed their African art depictions of art and crafts with their local surroundings.
They are known for their sweet grass basket weaving, quilting, and paintings. One Gullah artist who gained national fame is Jonathan Green, (1955-)
After his military service and studying art, he made the decision he wanted to returned to his roots.As he said, "... the older people were dying... I saw them as the strongest link with Africa of any of the Black American people."
Green is best known for his vibrant portrayals of Gullah Life both in paintings and lithographs. He grew up near Beaufort, NC, where a large number of Gullah live.
He said he takes his inspiration from the lively dailiness of life of these West African descendants of slaves as they go about working, playing and celebrating.
Green is the first Gullah descendant to receive a degree in fine art. It was no surprise to his family since he was born with a caul - a membrane covering his head - which in Gullah tradition means someone who would play a special role in the community. They were certainly right about Green's auspicious birth. His Cubism is compared to Picasso while his portrayals of people reminiscent of Diego Rivera.
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