ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Art is a reflection of society. Except when that society is not all-inclusive.
- MFA's art exhibit showcases the human condition
- Exhibit by Benny Andrews
- Andrews used work to create more options for people of color
The Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg is spotlighting an artist who used his work and his voice to create more options for people of color in his profession.
The title of this exhibition is "Benny Andrews: Mix Master, Collage and Line Drawings from the Collection of Professor Edward K. Littlejohn," on display through Aug. 26.
Benny Andrews used collage material like buttons, blue jeans, and paper towels to add the "everydayness" of his pieces.
In his work "The Smith" from his "America Series," the blue jean buttons stand out on the work shirt of a blacksmith.
"First and foremost his work is about the human condition," said Katherine Pill, Curator of Contemporary Art.
Andrews depicted farmers in his work "Cornfield," from 1990 and religious figures in the collage of "A Prince," created in 1971. It was an interpretation of a pope.
There are people shopping for fruit, playing pool, and riding the bus. And it was all interpreted though Andrews' eyes as an African American artist. Eyes that saw a need for change.
In 1969, he co-founded the Black Emergency Cultural Council.
"And this was a group that worked very hard to make sure that there was representation of African-American artists, curators, and arts professionals throughout institutions in the United States," explained Pill.
Andrews' works, both on and off "the canvas," offer dignity in diversity.
"I think it's just exciting to make sure that Benny Andrews stays in the spotlight because there's something about the way he presents the human condition that is very relatable today," said Pill.
