Ligel Lambert with Tschabalala Self on May 21, 2024, at the American Federation of Arts Luncheon.
On May 21, 2024, at the American Federation of Arts Luncheon, Ligel Lambert had the honor of meeting the acclaimed visual artist Tschabalala Self. This encounter not only left a lasting impression on Ligel but also served as a catalyst for the creation of a new portrait in his Black Male Artist Professor Series, specifically that of the esteemed visual artist and former Yale professor, Robert Reed.
The Impact of Tschabalala Self
Tschabalala Self is renowned for her striking and innovative works that delve into themes of identity, race, and gender. Her art, which blends collage, painting, and printmaking, is celebrated for its boldness and unique perspective. During their conversation, Tschabalala shared her views on the significance of honoring Black artists and educators who have shaped the cultural landscape. Her words resonated deeply with Ligel, reminding him of the legacy of Robert Reed.
Honoring Robert Reed
Robert Reed, a distinguished visual artist and former Yale professor, has made profound contributions to both the art world and art education. His influence as an educator and artist has left an indelible mark on many. Inspired by Tschabalala Self’s commitment to representation and celebration of Black excellence, Ligel decided to create a portrait of Reed as part of his Black Male Artist Professor Series.
The Black Male Artist Professor Series
Ligel’s Black Male Artist Professor Series aims to highlight and celebrate the achievements of Black male visual artists and art education professors. These individuals have made significant contributions to the art world and have taught at historically White colleges and universities in the United States. The series features paintings inspired by Fauvism, using a mix of acrylic and oil paints, and incorporates symbolic references unique to each subject. Each painting is standardized at 36" x 48" to maintain consistency while employing unique techniques to represent each artist.
The series, comprising 20 to 25 paintings, is a testament to Ligel’s dedication to recognizing the impact of these artists and professors. Ligel plans to spend the next year painting 14 to 19 more subjects and will publish a book commemorating their contributions and influence.
Painting of Didier Williams, one of the artist featured in this series
Creating the Portrait of Robert Reed
The decision to include Robert Reed in the series was driven by his significant impact as an artist and educator. Ligel’s portrait aims to capture Reed’s essence and contributions, using a vibrant and expressive style inspired by Fauvism. The process of creating this portrait has been documented in a YouTube video, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Ligel’s artistic journey.
Watch the Portrait in Progress
Ligel has shared a YouTube video showcasing the progress of the portrait painting of Robert Reed. This video provides insight into Ligel’s creative process and the meticulous effort involved in each piece in the series.
Watch the video on YouTube
Conclusion
Meeting Tschabalala Self was a pivotal moment for Ligel Lambert, reinforcing the importance of celebrating Black artists who have had a profound impact on the art world. Inspired by Tschabalala’s dedication to representation, Ligel created a portrait of Robert Reed, adding another significant piece to his Black Male Artist Professor Series. This series not only honors the legacies of these remarkable individuals but also aims to inspire future generations of artists and educators.
For more updates and to see the completed works in the Black Male Artist Professor Series, follow Ligel on his social media platforms:
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Stay tuned for more updates and upcoming exhibitions celebrating the achievements of Black male artists and professors.