A Confluence of Culture by Larry Richardson
July 11 – October 13, 2023
Valencia Library
23743 West Valencia Blvd
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Larry Richardson graduated from Oakland (California) High school with a full scholarship to the California College of Arts and Crafts. It was during this time that he was introduced to the Bay Area art scene and began to align himself with the local artists. Living in Oakland and going to the College of Arts and Crafts, one of the local artists was Robert Coldscott whom he was influenced by. After returning from military service in Japan he worked in the Civil Rights Movement touring through the southern states. After one year he concluded his work in the movement and was part of the March on Washington having the honor to be present during the historical “I Have a Dream” speech by Dr. Martin Luther King. He has earned many awards for his work and is collected by a divergent group of people.
Larry Richardson states, “As an Artist, I have always wanted to express the beauty of our African heritage. My paintings are an extension of the classic form of figurative painting using people of color. Most of my paintings make statements on culture and the human condition. My challenges in creativity continue to evolve, the reason for this is evident in the many events in the times we live in and through.”
Richardson find inspiration in other artists and literature. He states, “The artist Emilo Cruze (1938-2004) has been cited as one of the important pioneers in modern and figurative art along with Charles White (1918 -1979) one of Afro-Americans greatest figurative Social Realist. Emilo Cruze’s statement “Art that fails to articulate a liturgical mission is a purely decorative form of entertainment, construed to please by deception “is a reminder that as an artist I try to use my art to express a nobility inherent in the human soul and a contribution to the Afro-American culture and all mankind. Most literature on Black American Artist is approached as though it is a form of expression separate from the majority of art, culture, and galleries. This critical isolation in terms of art comes from being classified by culture and race, not talent. My objective as an artist is to heighten the awareness of those who view my art and stimulate thought and imagination.”
To learn more about “A Confluence of Culture” and upcoming art opportunities with the City of Santa Clarita, please contact Stephanie Jacinto at sjacinto@santa-clarita.com.
SCVTV.com Finding Art: Larry Richardson, A Confluence of Culture
