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|| Most paintings in this series were created in
an effort to reaffirm the great importance of an indigenous art form
called Jazz, and to present the the artist's reflections on living as an
African-American in the 20th and early 21st centuries.
Jazz is a highly creative
musical form based on personal improvisation. It has actually reshaped a
universal approach to both music and dance. National recognition has been
late in coming, although international recognition of this unique art form
was established much earlier.
The practitioners of this art have been
shunted outside the mainstream of our society for many years
and quite |
.. |
often have been visually depicted in grotesque caricature
or some equally demeaning posture.
Because this artist
believes that creative art should be accorded the dignity it so richly
deserves, I have attempted to portray that dignity while striving to make
a universal statement concerning Jazz.
These musicians are not
portraits of actual persons, but rather, are composites of ideas and
personal feelings about Jazzmen and their music. The series is in a state
of progression and, like Jazz and dance, will be expanded as new ideas are
conceived and formulated. -- Bill
Byers |