Traditional Forms
Artist
Felrath Hines
(American, 1913 - 1993)
CultureAmerican
Dateca. 1987
MediumOil on linen
Dimensions44 1/2 x 48 5/8 in. (113 x 123.5 cm)
SignedPossibly signed verso, upper left
InscribedOn the reverse of the frame, in black marker: Slide #113; four labels, each printed 113B2
On the backing board, in pencil:
A-B-C- MIDDLE
"TRADITIONAL FORMS"
44" x 48" 1987 o/c
FELRATH HINES
Credit LineGift of Dorothy Fisher
Object number2009.4.1b
Not on view
DescriptionOne of three oil on linen paintings, depicting a square in a geometric abstract style.Label TextFelrath Hines American, 1913-1993 Traditional Forms, 1961 Oil on linen This early abstract triptych by African American artist Felrath Hines marks the period in the mid-1960s when the artist shifted from figuration to abstraction. Hines became known for subtly colored paintings full of geometric patterns and shapes arranged in a highly organized manner. Hines felt conflicted about creating abstract paintings instead of works reflecting the social upheaval within the African American community. He believed art should be influenced by all of life’s experiences, not just political ideology. He saw the world in terms of colors, forms, and designs, and broke down scenes and sights into their core elements for audiences to investigate. Gift of Dorothy Fisher 2009.4.1 ProvenanceThe artist; Estate of Felrath Hines, Brookline, Ma., 1993; Gift of the Estate of Felrath Hines to the Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Va., 2009.
