A Life of Transformation
Born in Houston, United States, Bert L. Long, Jr. lived a life defined by diverse roles and profound transitions. Before dedicating himself to the visual arts, he was an elite, nationally known chef, working as an executive chef in a fine-dining chain and later as the executive Sous-chef at the MGM Grand Las Vegas. His journey as an artist began in 1975, following an exhibition at the MGM Grand that inspired a major career change. He traveled across the western United States, eventually finding success in Chicago, where he exhibited at the DuSable Museum of African American History.
Long was a multi-disciplinary creator, working as a painter, photographer, assemblage artist, folk artist, and sculptor. His artistic practice was remarkably versatile, involving traditional materials as well as ice. His work has been featured in various institutions, including the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
Artistic Vision and Legacy
Long’s work often explored the intersection of existence and creativity. One of his notable large-scale public works is a mural at the Looscan Neighborhood Library titled Art/Life, which references seventeen masterpieces and depicts a self-portrait of the artist steering a ship toward the horizon. This piece, along with his sculptural work Field Of Visions, demonstrates his ability to engage with public spaces. His artistic output included several significant works, such as:
His legacy is preserved through the Bert Long Jr. Papers at the University of Houston Special Collections, and his influence continues through the Houston Museum of African American Culture, which maintains a gallery dedicated to his name.
