When:

September 4, 2008
Thursday 8:00pm

Website:

Event Website

Detail:

Some of you will recognize the bold work of the Chicago artist, Bernard Williams. He painted the much beloved Bill Pickett piece that was part of the Harvey gallery opening exhibition. Williams’ passion is sharing with others the actual history of African American Western contributions and experiences. Visitors will have the pleasure of seeing nine monumental works on loan from the G.R. N’Namdi gallery in Chicago. In addition to his paintings Williams has many murals and public art sculpture throughout Chicago. Williams work is at the same time arresting and accessible. His bold use of color and tactile application of the paint coupled with his committed research give the viewer a lot to appreciate.

This work grows from my continuing investigation of American and World history and culture, along with related interests in archeology, cartography, and ethnology. In many of my works, signs and symbols are collected and arranged in order to speak about the complexities of history and human development and movement through the ages. Retrieving and reinterpreting details of history and culture are central to my impulses. Multiple stories and fragments are layered and lined onto my canvases or chosen surface. The viewer is urged to consider his or her place in the forceful flow of culture and events.—Bernard Williams

Bernard Williams was born in Chicago in 1964. He received a BFA from the University of Illinois and an MFA from Northwestern University. The exhibition will be open through Sept. 14.