Barbara Bullock is a renowned African American artist, sculptor, and art educator. Her work is a vibrant reflection of African American culture and spirit, which the artist expresses through abstract forms. Audiences admire the three-dimensional collages, portraits, altars, and masks she creates. We’ll delve deeper into the life and creative journey of this Philadelphia artist. More at philadelphiaski.
Early Years and Education
Barbara was born in Philadelphia in November 1938. Her family had moved to the city from North Carolina in the 1930s in search of a better life. Her father worked as a truck driver, while her mother sought work in factories. They divorced, and when Barbara was 12, her mother passed away.
The young girl, along with her brother and sister, went to live with her father and his new wife. Her paternal grandparents often visited, and Barbara loved listening to their stories. Later in life, she created an abstract canvas inspired by her grandmother’s tales.
In an interview, the artist recalled that she was always creative as a child, constantly making things with her hands. She chose the art of drawing as her primary language of self-expression. Interestingly, she also took dance lessons. One day, she brought a stray dog to class but was told to leave and never returned.
In school, Barbara participated in the School Art League, an arts project, and also attended classes at the Philadelphia Museum School of Art. Her interest in Africa was sparked after reading an article in National Geographic magazine. The young Barbara felt a connection to the continent and decided to channel it into her art.
She graduated from Roosevelt High School and studied at the Moore Institute (now Moore College of Art & Design). She took additional drawing lessons at the Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial. From 1963 to 1966, she attended evening classes at the Hussian School of Art.
Artistic Career
Barbara Bullock began her artistic journey by painting watercolor portraits of famous Americans, as well as her family and friends. Through these works, she sought to portray the humanity of African Americans.
In the 1960s, the artist began to connect with other artists living and working in Philadelphia, who offered her much advice. It’s worth noting that there were very few African American women in this circle at the time. Furthermore, the art world was somewhat skeptical of women artists, especially those who were married. As a result, Bullock decided never to marry and to focus entirely on her art.
In 1971, Barbara became the artistic director of the Ile Ife Black Humanitarian Center, founded by dancer and choreographer Arthur Hall, who significantly influenced her work. She held this position until 1975, teaching drawing techniques to children and young people. During this period, the theme of dance appeared in her art, leading to her “Stilt Dancers” series.
Gradually, the artist’s own abstract style crystallized, filled with bright colors, patterns, a variety of forms, and lively movement. She frequently used the color black, seeking to emphasize its power and strength. Additionally, Barbara began to incorporate fabrics, plant fibers, metal, beads, and feathers, creating collages and sculptures. She worked with acrylic and gouache, as well as pen and ink.
In the 1980s, while exploring African culture and religion, the artist began crafting altars. For several decades, she traveled to Africa, which made her work even more vibrant and authentic. These journeys inspired several series of drawings.
Furthermore, she has always created works dedicated to contemporary issues, for example:
- Katrina, about the devastating flood caused by the hurricane in New Orleans in 2005.
- Trayvon Martin: The Most Precious Blood, about the teenager killed in Florida in 2012.
- A portrait of George Floyd, who was murdered by a police officer in 2020.
Since the 1960s, Barbara Bullock has participated in exhibitions. Her work has been presented in Philadelphia and beyond, allowing the artist to find her audience and share her unique vision with the world.
Academic Career and Community Involvement
For more than four decades, the artist has taught art in schools, colleges, and community centers. Her lessons and workshops have included not only painting but also mask-making and collage, areas where Barbara has considerable expertise. She has also been involved in organizing artist residencies in Pennsylvania and other states.
In 1978, Bullock participated in a program inspired by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The project aimed to promote the employment of artists and provide communities with access to art. She worked at the after-school printmaking workshop Prints in Progress in Philadelphia. In New Jersey, she taught students at Arts Horizon.
In this way, she has combined her own creative work with the education of young artists. She has always generously shared her knowledge and experience, describing her techniques in detail. Even at an advanced age, Barbara continues to participate in the creative life of the city.