| 
Internationally known as a painter, muralist, sculptor and educator,
John Biggers is responsible for more than 114 completed murals at
Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. A native of Gastonia,
North Carolina, these murals are his first in his home state. His
nephew, James Biggers, an artist and an art administrator for the
Gaston County Schools, assisted Biggers.
Winston-Salem Delta Fine Arts, Inc. commissioned the two murals
by John Biggers for permanent exhibition in the atrium of the C.G.
O'Kelly Library at Winston-Salem State University, 601 Martin Luther
King, Jr. Drive, Winston-Salem. The commissioning of these works
was made possible through a New Works grant from the North Carolina
Arts Council and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts,
the Art in Public Places program. The murals were completed in early
1992.
The two murals are an integration of knowledge from many disciplines.
As you view the murals, see symbolic representations of ancient
concepts found in African mythology and folklore, fused with mathematical
concepts and scientific theories. Additional images reflect the
social dynamics experienced in America by people of African descent.
Other artistic expressions encompass the spiritual influences of
organized religion melded with inspirations from literature, music,
architecture and history.
Each mural is 15 feet wide by 30 feet high. The "Origins"
mural, on the west wall of the atrium, depicts many of the legends
surrounding the origin of life. The "Ascension" mural,
on the east wall, reflects the struggle of humanity to rise, grow
and overcome life's barriers.
For additional information about the artist or the murals, contact
the Delta Arts Center at 336.722.2625.
See also:
© 1992 Winston-Salem Delta Fine Arts, Inc.
|
