Robert Colescott

Robert Colescott (1925–2009)

An internationally known artist, Robert Colescott long explored the social questions of our times with both seriousness and wit. His controversial topics ranged from the mundane to the profound, touching on race, history, sex, and power. The work for which Colescott became especially well known are expressive, cartoon-like portrayals of American slices of life that contain poignant and thought-provoking images using vibrant color. He explored a distinctive version of popular culture, using references to art history, religion, and literary sources. This exhibition encompasses the provocative work for which he became especially well recognized, as well as earlier work that illustrates his expressive and formal interests as a painter.