John Thomas Biggers (1924-2001) was one of the most significant
African American artists of the twentieth century. He was known for
his murals, but also for his drawings, paintings, and lithographs,
and was honored by a major traveling retrospective exhibition from
1995 to 1997. He created archetypal imagery that spoke positively
to the rich and varied ethnic heritage of African Americans, long
before the Civil Rights era drew attention to their African
cultural roots. His influence upon other artists was profound, both
for the power of his art and as professor and elder statesman to
younger generations.
Olive Jensen Theisen's long-time commitment to the art of John
Biggers resulted from the serendipitous discovery of an early
Biggers mural in a school storeroom in the mid-1980s. Theisen
immediately recognized the artist, the work, and its significance.
She then set about returning "The History of Negro Education in
Morris County, Texas" to a place of honor and found herself
becoming a friend and recorder of John Biggers's stories and
experiences relating to the creation of his other murals too,
including "Family Unity "at Texas Southern University.
Containing more than eighty color and black-and-white
illustrations, " Walls That Speak "is a richly illustrated update
of an earlier edition published in 1996. The artist completed new
murals between its publication and his death in 2001. In addition
to the inclusion of the new murals, Theisen has added a chapter on
Biggers's African art collection. The only work exclusively
dedicated to his murals, this book will appeal to all those
interested in murals or African American art.
"As a result of her friendship with Dr. Biggers, Dr. Theisen
clearly has unique access to the works that are now held by the
Biggers estate. Her interviews provide a deeply personal insight
into the mind of this remarkable man and the symbols he employed in
his art."--R. William McCarter, Regents Professor of Art,
University of North Texas
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