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Fallen Through The Cracks

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Minnie Evans

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Minnie Evans

Fallen Through The Cracks – Minnie Evans

Minnie Evans

#FallenThroughTheCracks – Minnie Evans born on December 12, 1892, was an African American folk, outsider, and visionary artist who worked from the 1940s to the 1980s. She used all types of materials including oils and graphite but began creating with wax and #crayons.  She was known for using any material she could find including window shades, book bindings, and scrap paper. 

Evans began to draw and paint at the age of 43, creating her first pieces of artwork on a scrap paper bag. Her designs are complex, with elements recalling African, Asian, and Caribbean motifs. Her inspirations were the visions and dreams that she had throughout her life. Her practices focused on a combination of scenes from the Bible and nature – alongside her work at Airlie Gardens. 

Minnie Evans, Untitled (Starry Sky and Religious Figures), 1960. © Estate of Minnie Evans
Minnie Evans, Untitled, 1967, (1946, 1958, 1960, 1962). © Estate of Minnie Evans
Minnie Evans, Untitled, 1967, (1946, 1958, 1960, 1962). © Estate of Minnie Evans

Now recognized as one of the most important visionary folk artists of the 20th century, her work is highly collected by many museums and collectors all across the world. Evans died in Wilmington, North Carolina on December 16, 1987, at age 95, leaving more than 400 artworks to the St. Johns Museum of Art (now the Cameron Art Museum) in Wilmington, North Carolina. 

(Text paraphrased from Wikipedia and other sources. All Images are the property of the copyright owners. This clip is for educational purposes.)