Eugene “Gene” Bilbrew was an African-American vocal group singer, cartoonist, and “bizarre art” pioneer. As noted in the biography, GENE BILBREW REVEALED: The Unsung Legacy of a Fetish Art Pioneer, he was “the first black career fetish artist in history.” Continue reading Profile: Gene Bilbrew (1923-1974)
Willie Birch is an American visual artist who works in a variety of mediums including drawing, painting, and sculpture. Birch was born in New Orleans, and currently lives and works in New Orleans. He completed his BA at Southern University in New Orleans, and received an MFA from Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Maryland. Continue reading Profile: Willie Birch (1942-)
Sharif Bey is an American, artist, ceramicist and professor. He produces both functional pottery and ceramic and mixed- media sculpture, using a variety of forms and textures. His body of work reflects his interest in the visual heritage of Africa and Oceania, as well as contemporary African American culture. With his colorful large-scale bead sculptures, Bey explores the cultural and political significance of ornamentation and adornment. Continue reading Profile: Sharif Bey (1974-)
W.C. Handy was an African American composer and a leader in popularizing blues music in the early 20th century, with hits like “Memphis Blues” and “St. Louis Blues.” Continue reading Profile: W.C. Handy (1873–1958)
