Wadsworth Jarrell (American, b. 1929). "Untitled (Nightclub Painting)" depicting a white couple flirting in a smoky bar, 1960. Signed and dated along the lower right.

Provenance: Kavi Gupta, Chicago; Private Collection, Tennessee.

Wadsworth Jarrell was one of the original five founders of the Black arts collective AfriCobra (The African Commune of Bad Relevant Artists), which formed in the South Side of Chicago in 1967. He founded it along with fellow artists Jeff Donaldson, Gerald Williams, Barbara Jones-Hogu, and Jae Jarrell - Wadsworth's wife. They brought about change with the use of Black identity, style, attitude, and worldviews that fostered solidarity and self-confidence throughout the African diaspora.

Growing up in Albany, Georgia in 1929, he was the youngest of six children. After serving in the U.S. Army he moved to Chicago in the 1940s. He worked at the International Paint factory and took night classes at the School of Art Institute of Chicago. His early works were often gritty, expressionist rendering of life in Chicago. The present work is an excellent example of these paintings, with the dark and smoky bar showing a common nightlife scene in the city.

In the 1960s he began moving away from his gritty artworks towards a rainbow palette. These works would go on to be some of his most iconic works. Both he and Jae were among the 14 Black artists - most of whom were affiliated with the Organization of Black American Culture (OBAC) - who painted a landmark 60-foot-wide mural on the corner of 43rd Street and Langley Avenue called the "Wall of Respect." This wall would go on to inspire hundreds of Black Power murals all across the United States. By the 1970s, his paintings had evolved to kaleidoscopic paintings depicting portraits. His works since then have incorporated many of his styles and elements. His works have expanded from works on canvas to sculptures and installations.
Sight; height: 38 in x width: 28 in. Framed; height: 38 1/2 in x width: 28 3/4 in. The painting is in good condition in general with no visible tears, creases, or restoration under UV light. There are multiple losses along the margin against the frame, which do not affect the overall painting. To the lower right quadrant, there is an area of surface instability. From the verso, the canvas is toned; there is no visible sign of restoration. Wear to the frame. Please contact us for a detailed condition report. Please note that the lack of a condition statement does not imply perfect condition. Email condition@revereauctions.com with any condition questions.