: "Hale Woodruff in Atlanta," on view at the High Museum of Art
July 3-September 26, is the first solo exhibition of Woodruff's
paintings in Atlanta since his death in 1980.
The exhibition will present the work of one of America's great,
yet under-recognized African-American artists and educators;
Woodruff began his professional career in Atlanta in the 1930s.
Focusing on works Woodruff produced while living and teaching in
Atlanta, the exhibition provides a better understanding of the
pivotal role the artist played in the creative development of the
city as well as offering a glimpse of his artistic growth and
significance.
Although his early artistic years are portrayed as a struggle,
Woodruff eventually developed the reputation as a promising young
artist. He gained national recognition in 1926 upon receiving the
William E. Harmon Foundation award, which provided funds to
continue his art education in Paris, France. Living in Paris gave
him the opportunity to become acquainted with other African
American artists and scholars, including Henry Ossawa Tanner, who
introduced him to Modern abstraction.
Later in his life, Woodruff also studied under the direction of
renowned Mexican artist Diego Rivera. These individuals and their
artistic techniques forever influenced his painting style.
Woodruff spent more than a decade in Atlanta beginning in 1931
when he became the inaugural fine arts instructor at Atlanta
University. He quickly gained the admiration and confidence of
both the faculty and student body. One of his most notable
accomplishments was the establishment of the Atlanta University
Annual Exhibitions, which was the predecessor to today's National
Black Arts Festival.
"Hale Woodruff in Atlanta" will be the first opportunity to view
his presentation studies for "Results of Good Housing" and
"Effects of Poor Housing" from the High's permanent collection,
along side the mural versions commissioned by Atlanta Housing
Authority (AHA), placed on extended loan to the High. The murals
clearly express Woodruff's support of public housing in Atlanta.
This core will be supplemented by other Woodruff works that
relate to his Atlanta years, including a portrait of Alonzo
Herndon, also on loan from AHA.
The museum is at 1280 Peachtree Street. For information,
404-733-4437.
