In anticipation of the (now virtual) New York Caribbean Week and the annual Labor Day Parade, this A

In anticipation of the (now virtual) New York Caribbean Week and the annual Labor Day Parade, this August we’re highlighting artworks in the Museum’s collection that celebrate the presence of Caribbean culture and its diasporas.Born in Cuba to Jamaican parents, Art Smith grew up in the neighborhoods of Downtown Brooklyn and Bedford-Stuyvesant. In this portrait, Smith wears his Linked Oval Necklace, displaying his trademark use of open lines, negative space, and material elegance. On the wall behind him we see a picture of four-year-old Arthur and his baby brother, Marcus, who died of scarlet fever just a month after their picture was taken. Smith had a strong connection to his family and heritage. His older sister Ina taught him Spanish and, along with his mother Mary, helped buy his first art supplies. Both women were supportive of his artistic ambitions, opening the way for him to become the prominent modern artist he is recognized as today. Posted by Forrest PelsueArthur Mones (American, 1919-1998). Art Smith, 1979. Gelatin silver photograph. Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Wayne and Stephanie Mones at the request of their father, Arthur Mones, 2000.89.36. © artist or artist’s estate ⇨ Art Smith (American, born Cuba, 1917-1982). Linked Oval Necklace, designed by 1974. Silver, amethyst quartz. Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Charles L. Russell, 2007.61.1. Creative Commons-BY -- source link

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