The Art of Romare Bearden

Watching the Good Trains Go By, 1964
Collage on cardboard
Collection of Philip J. and Suzanne Schiller, American Social Commentary Art 1930–1970
© Copyright Romare Bearden Foundation/Licensed by VAGA, New York

February 07 - May 16, 2004

Romare Bearden's vibrant work was inspired by both personal experience and the culture of his surroundings. The rural South, Pittsburgh, Harlem — these places not only served as home for Bearden but also as rich sources of artistic inspiration. The themes of society became the themes of his work, where jazz culture, ritual practice, religion, history, and literature all figure prominently. His complex, imaginative oeuvre offers an invaluable view of mid-twentieth-century African American experience.

Talks + Events
Opening Day Curator Lecture	A Bearden Celebration	02/07/04
Teacher Institute	Visual Improv: Romare Bearden	02/21/04
Free Tuesday Program	In His Mind's Eye: The Art and Philosophy of Romare Bearden	03/02/04
Art and Conversation	Romare Bearden: Media and Message	03/26/04
Special Event	The Bay Area Remembers Bearden	05/15/04

Interactive Features
The Art of Romare Bearden	Feb 2004	Launch

Interactive Feature The Art of Romare Bearden
Explore Bearden's unique fusion of artistic traditions through archival footage of the artist at work, commentaries on his relationship to jazz musicians Wynton and Branford…
More details
- Launch

The Art of Romare Bearden is organized by the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

The exhibition is made possible with generous support from AT&T.

SFMOMA'S presentation is supported by a generous grant from the Koret Foundation and Catholic Healthcare West.