Jack Whitten

Jack Whitten, born on December 5, 1939, in Bessemer, Alabama, was a pioneering African American painter known for his innovative approach to abstraction and his contributions to contemporary art. Whitten studied at the Tuskegee Institute and later at Southern University in Baton Rouge before transferring to Cooper Union in New York City, where he immersed himself in the vibrant art scene of the 1960s. Whitten's early career was influenced by the Civil Rights Movement and Abstract Expressionism. Over the decades, he developed unique techniques and methods, experimenting with materials and processes that set his work apart. He created textured, mosaic-like surfaces by applying paint with tools such as squeegees and Afro combs, a method he referred to as "processing" rather than painting. This innovative approach led to the creation of works that merged abstraction with a sense of personal and historical narrative. Notable series in Whitten's oeuvre include the "Black Monolith" series, which pays tribute to significant African American figures, and "Quantum Walls," inspired by scientific concepts. His work often explored themes of memory, identity, and cultural history. Whitten's art has been widely exhibited and is held in major collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Tate Modern in London. He received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the National Medal of Arts in 2015. Jack Whitten passed away on January 20, 2018, leaving a profound impact on the world of contemporary art with his innovative techniques and deep engagement with social and cultural issues. Read more about Arts.