biography and artistic style
thornton dial, jr., a contemporary african-american painter, sculptor, and assemblage artist, was born in 1952 in the united states. he is the eldest son of prolific modern artist
thornton dial sr. and has established himself as a significant figure in american art with his bold, evocative political and social commentary.
artistic style and themes
thornton dial jr.'s work is characterized by its use of found materials, often executed on a monumental scale. his subjects range from human rights to natural disasters and current events, reflecting his engagement with the world around him. this approach has led to his works being widely held in american museums, including the
metropolitan museum of art, which acquired ten of his works in 2014.
notable works and exhibitions
*
strange fruit: channel 42 (251 x 198 cm, souls grown deep, atlanta, united states, assemblage) - a powerful piece depicting a modern-day lynching, utilizing a television antenna as a symbol of the persistence of racial violence. *
high and wide (carrying the rats to the man) (193 x 340 cm, souls grown deep, atlanta, united states, assemblage) - a haunting scene of entrapment, recalling the horrors of the african slave trade. * featured in the
whitney biennial (2000) and the
hard truths exhibition at the
indianapolis museum of art (2011), which marked a significant shift in the perception of his work, positioning him as a bonafide contemporary artist.
recognition and legacy
* recognized by art historian and cultural critic joanne cubbs for his first-rate, powerful art. * featured in
the wall street journal as one of the best museum shows of 2011, alongside luminaries like degas, picasso, kandinsky, and willem de kooning.
thornton dial, jr.'s work continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, offering a powerful commentary on the human experience.
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