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Ernie Barnes: A Retrospective at CAAM LA

I went on an Art Adventure to see the exciting Artwork of American Artist Ernie Barnes at the California African American Museum (CAAM) in Los Angeles, California. It is a current exhibition scheduled May 8 to September 8, 2019.

California African American Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 5pm
Sunday 11am to 5pm
CLOSED on Monday
The entry to the Ernie Barnes: A Retrospective. Barnes created some of the most iconic Artistic Creations. Known for his Unique African American Human Figurative Style of Art, Genre, and Sports Paintings. Barnes’s well known Unique Art Style includes elongated human limbs and the feeling of movement. His Artwork has been on television, music album covers, art collections, and museums. Ernie Eugene Barnes Jr. was born July 15, 1938 in “the bottom” community of Durham, North Carolina. He was an Artist, Professional Football Player, Actor, and Author. Barnes died April 27, 2009.
Ernie Barnes: A Retrospective presents over 50 paintings drawings and ephemera documenting the artist’s life and career. Many of these narrative works testify to the artist broad interests and deep impact in the entertainment industry through the television situational comedy Good Times and album covers for Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, B.B. King, The Crusaders, and others
The Sugar Shack is Barnes’s most iconic and influential painting. It achieved cult status by regularly appearing on the hit television sitcom Good Times and gracing the cover of Marvin Gaye’s 1976, album I Want You. The dance hall scene was inspired by one of Barnes’s enduring childhood memories.

Barnes gave credit to his college art instructor (sculptor) Ed Wilson for his foundation as an Artist. Barnes attended college at All-Black North Carolina College at Durham (formerly North Carolina College for Negroes, now North Carolina Central University)

At North Carolina College (NCC), Ernie Barnes Majored in Art on a Full Athletic Scholarship. Barnes was on both the track and football teams. He played tackle and center at NCC on the football team.

SOME ERNIE BARNES ART

My Miss America 1970 – Oil on Canvas
Study For Woman Of Color – 2000
The American War Game – 1968 (Acrylic on Canvas)
Ernie Barnes tools in his hands in front on The American War Game – 1968 (Acrylic on Canvas)
Wooden chair with Acrylic Paint smears. Used by Ernie Barnes from 1970’s to 2009
A view of the exhibit and many Art Pieces of Ernie Barnes
Fastbreak 1987 – Acrylic on Canvas
Collection of The Los Angeles Lakers Inc.
Ernie Barnes was commissioned by Dr. Jerry Buss to create Fastbreak celebrating the 1987 NBA Championship with Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, Kurt Rambis, and Michael Cooper.
Photos of Ernie Barnes sketching the Los Angeles Lakers team.
A Day On Fairfax 1973
Graphite on Paper
Collection of Elinor Roth Tatum
Double Dutch 1989 – Acrylic on Canvas
Ernie Barne’s Denver Broncos Football Card 1963-64
Ernie Barnes Football Helmet for San Diego Chargers 1960-62 and Barnes Painting Palette with Brushes 2009. Barnes may have used easel painting along with a pallete knife for heavy texture. Also, he may have created in mediums such as Acrylic Paint, Oil Paint, Watercolor, and Charcoal for abstract expression.
Ernie Barnes was drafted in December 1959 by the (at that time World Champion) Baltimore Colts in the 10th round. (Renounced by the Washington Redskins, after discovering Barnes was Black, minutes prior to being Barnes’s original 8th round pick)
In 1960, Barnes was signed by the newly formed Titans of New York.
Barnes accepted an offer in 1960 from (at the time) Los Angeles Chargers, joining mid-season. In 1963-64 Barnes played football with the Denver Broncos.
1965 Barnes signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Canada. Barnes fractured his right foot in the last exhibition game ending his football career.
American Artist Ernie Barnes
Barnes was a Program Director at San Diego’s YMCA working with parolees from the California Youth Authority.
Barnes was a Sports Editor for The Voice, a local San Diego newspaper and wrote the weekly column “A Matter of Sports”.
Barnes was an Illustrator for San Diego Magazine.
Pencil Portrait Drawing of American Artist Ernie Barnes by Q.Tatum!

The collection of fabulous artistic creations of American Artist Ernie Barnes are energetic and powerful. They are a variety of Art Scenes telling very interesting and colorful stories through pictures. The Durham, North Carolina Artist’s drawings, paintings, and memorabilia will be on display for enjoyment until September 8, 2019. If there is a chance for you to see this Ernie Barnes Art Exhibition, go and check it out!

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Comments

  1. CHARLES FREEMAN

    For many years, “Fastbreak” was on the wall behind Dr. Buss’ office desk at the Forum. I was fortunate enough to actually see it in person during a meeting with him and several of his staff.

    • QTatumArt.com

      WOW! That sounds COOL! THANKS for SHARING, Charles!!!

  2. Bob Grunditz

    I am glad to see that retrospective of Barnes is showing. I remember his iconic images as a teenager and on.

    • QTatumArt.com

      Some good ARTWORK on display! I really ENJOYED the Exhibit!

  3. TokiD

    This is fire ! I like this post ! Good to see where the infamous groovy photo comes from !!!!

    • QTatumArt.com

      Thank YOU! The Art Show is STILL ONGOING UNTIL SEPTEMBER 8. YOU would ENJOY the ART and CREATIVITY!

  4. Q.Tatum

    I really enjoyed the Ernie Barnes Art Exhibition at California African American Museum. What is YOUR FAVORITE ARTIST or ARTWORK?