Celebrating Barkley L. Hendricks: Portraits at The Frick Collection
Barkley L. Hendricks, Lawdy Mama, 1969. Oil and gold leaf on canvas, 53 3/4 x 36 1/4 in. Studio Museum in Harlem, gift of Stuart Liebman, in memory of Joseph B. Liebman. © Barkley L. Hendricks. Courtesy of the Estate of Barkley L. Hendricks and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York
Barkley L. Hendricks, a visionary of contemporary portraiture, reshaped the landscape of art with his vibrant and charismatic portrayals of Black representation. Born in 1945 and sadly passing away in 2017, Hendricks’s artistry left an incredible mark on the world of painting. His work emerged during the late 1960s, drawing from and challenging established European artistic traditions.
Barkley L. Hendricks, Photo Bloke, 2016, Oil and acrylic on linen, 72 x 48 in., Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York, © Barkley L. Hendricks
In a remarkable exhibition at The Frick Collection, titled Barkley L. Hendricks: Portraits at the Frick, visitors are invited to delve into the revolutionary work of this pioneering American painter. The exhibition showcases a curated selection of Hendricks’s finest portraits, carefully displayed alongside the esteemed Frick Collection. This juxtaposition offers a unique opportunity to witness the interplay between Hendricks's bold contemporary portraits and the rich European art traditions housed within the museum.
Barkley L. Hendricks, Slick, 1977, 67 x 48 1/2 in, oil, acrylic, and Magna on linen canvas, Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York
Curated by Aimee Ng, the Curator at The Frick, the exhibition provides a dive into Hendricks’s artistic journey. The collection features paintings from both private and public collections, coming together to honor the artist's profound contributions to the art world.
Accompanying this exhibition is a meticulously crafted catalogue, offering insights and perspectives from influential voices. Thelma Golden contributes a thought-provoking essay, setting the stage for what awaits you in the gallery. In addition, esteemed artists and creative figures such as Derrick Adams, Hilton Als, Nick Cave, Awol Erizku, Rashid Johnson, Fahamu Pecou, Mickalene Thomas, and Kehinde Wiley provide their reflections on Hendricks's accomplishments.
The exhibition is on display now until January 7th, 2024 and is a must-see for any art lover in NYC.