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Jake by Ernie Barnes.

force and response. Barnes wanted to show that
Barnes gave birth to a signature expression of African-
Black life experiences are not shallow and myopic.
American art. Tis form of expression infuenced
Te unique strength of Barnes’ fgurative art is
the way others portrayed Black American life. His
still a source of inspiration for many aspiring and
work helped to give voice to the twentieth-century
accomplished artists. While Barnes’ own African-
African-American experience. Trough Barnes’
American life experiences inspired him to show Black
unveiling of powerful images and hidden beauty, a
life, he knew something much more fundamental.
neglected slice of American life was brought to light.

He does not just paint imagery. He has a point of His works are powerful messages to remind us all that
view. Te African-American male shown in a pool struggle is an universal condition. He reminds us of our
hall in the painting Jake would be considered frivolous humanity. Potent in his art is the communication of
Basketball Player by Ernie Barnes.
by some. Barnes’ had a higher perspective: that pool pride, hope and the triumph of the spirit.
sharks are mathematicians and physicists. Pool is

a skill requiring a keen knowledge of math, angles,

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