Black History/Black Vision: The Visionary Image in Texas

Author: Lynne Adele
Publisher: The University of Texas at Austin
Year: 1989
Pages: 94
ISBN: 978-0935213157

Black History/ Black Vision: The Visionary Image in Texas brings together for the first time 80 works by six Black Texas visionary artists:

John Banks, San Antonio (1912–1988)
Ezekiel Gibbs, Houston (b. 1889)
Frank Jones, Clarksville (1900–1969)
Naomi Polk, Houston (1892–1984)
The Reverend Johnnie Swearingen, Brenham (b.1908)
Willard "The Texas Kid" Watson, Dallas (b.1921)

Each of the six artists in "Black Vision/Black History" reported a lifelong interest in art and believed they were born with a special gift to make art and to see beyond their physical surroundings into the spiritual realm. Themes explored by the artists include Juneteenth celebrations, Bible stores, subjects dealing with slavery, and scenes of Africa, while other works reveal more enigmatic, personal visions. The exhibition reflects the diversity of the visionary experience and the strong influence of African-American traditions in Texas.