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HBCU kidz, Inc. is proud to offer a limited quantity of John Baker's prestigious print appropriately titled "Historically Black". From the "Historically Black College Series" and inspired by over 170 years of historically black colleges, universities, technical and junior colleges. This carefully researched homecoming celebration depicts the diversity of each student, likewise each institution. Be it in the city, "hood" or the "woods" each member institution is donned in school colors, seals and or logos. Created to awaken the collegiate memories of yesteryear and inspire its future fruits to fruition...educationally and artistically this work of art has the same pioneering spirit, as did the first college, circa 1837. This special gift is a must-have for every HBCU Fan.
Image Area: 28x38
Print Size: 28x40
Signed by Artist: Additional $15.00
About Historically Black
This print was inspired by a young man who attended the second of two back to back fraternity conclave parties and literally marching to exhaustion and falling asleep in corner as a neophyte he was awakened to the thought of recreating this scene artistically, but using chapter brothers and sorority sisters. However being a student at a historically "white" university he quickly put that thought to rest. He continued his studies while the concept stayed on his mind and although still an undergrad he began to sketch out details and changed the whole theme not to Greek but to education…black education.
At this point he woefully realized the only reason he attended Central Michigan and not Hampton University was because of an athletic scholarship. The Hampton University student represented in the photo is a scholar focused on his commitment to an education, yet he still is enjoying the experience as carefully illustrated. He is in the crowd, but not the leader of the party. He must stay focused on carefully making his mark in the world as leader of the world.
About the Artistic Technique
It was personally hard for me because my picture centered around African American history learned and some lost. The only way over 100 HBCU'S could have been represented is during a homecoming party celebration, church scene or picnic.
Which one do you think worked best?
I don't paint in the Neo Mannerist style. This means my bodies are not elongated and or stylized. Again it was a difficult task. Unlike Ernie Barnes who had figures with there eyes closed…but that's how people dance. He had people snapping their fingers…but that's what people do when they are dancing.
My original stands 5 feet and 8 feet long. Lastly what I find interesting is that you have had two major artistic "giants" who graduated from HBCU'S but never really thought to honor them in a framed piece of work.
Message from the Artist
1. My purpose is to enlghten both those in the north and south about HBCU's
2. If I took the time to paint for HBCU'S please take the time to look for your school.
3. Umoja, rivals are now friends YES, Grambling is dancing with Southern.
4. Historically or predominantly your school is here.
5. The picture flows around in a circle from the people in the blue hazy light on the left
6. Most viewers find someone who reminds them of someone they know
7. The date of the first HBCU was founded February 25,1837 (Cheyney) no matter what
the people from the Ashmun Institute tell you.
8. I spent over four gathering facts when I started working because HBCU facts were
hard to come by. In fact only 68 were listed.
9. I have had professors challenge me on facts, and due to time research and studying I
always held my own.
10. It me took over 7 years from initial thought to complete, get fact/copyrights dates,
update, and finally paint.
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