Wadsworth
Jarrell
Wadsworth Jarrell, a pivotal figure of the Black Arts Movement, is renowned for his vibrant, Afrocentric paintings and co-founding the collective AfriCOBRA. If you're looking for original Wadsworth Jarrell prints and editions for sale or would like to sell, request a complimentary valuation and browse our network’s most in-demand works.
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Biography
Wadsworth Jarrell, born in Albany, Georgia in 1929, is a co-founder of the influential collective AfriCOBRA (African Commune of Bad Relevant Artists). His work, often characterised by bright, saturated colours and rhythmic patterns, serves as a visual representation of Black empowerment, unity, and heritage.
Emerging during the Civil Rights era, Jarrell’s paintings and prints are politically engaged, embodying the experiences of Black Americans. His celebratory depictions of African culture, which honour the nuances of the Black experience, have cemented his status as an important voice in Contemporary Art.
After serving in the U.S. Army, Jarrell pursued art studies at the Art Institute of Chicago, earning his BA in 1958. During his studies he cultivated his interest in vibrant colour and dynamic forms.
In 1968, alongside fellow artists like his wife Jae Jarrell, Barbara Jones-Hogu, and Jeff Donaldson, he co-founded AfriCOBRA. This collective sought to create a Black visual language that communicated pride, resilience, and solidarity within Black communities. AfriCOBRA’s use of the 'Kool-Aid' colour palette—intense hues inspired by African textiles and patterns—became a signature of the group and a defining characteristic of Jarrell’s work.
One of his most notable artworks, Revolutionary (1972), is a portrait of activist Angela Davis, merging text and imagery in a tapestry of social commentary. The screenprint honours Davis' role in the fight for racial, gender, and economic equality. Davis is shown wearing a 'revolutionary' suit designed by Jarrell's wife, in 1969 for AfriCOBRA. Embracing the group’s colour palette, the suit is emblazoned with Davis’s own words and Black Power slogans. As Davis speaks, her voice radiates outward in a burst of words and colour, embodying the intensity and impact of her activism.
Jarrell’s works have been exhibited in prestigious institutions, including the Brooklyn Museum and the High Museum of Art, solidifying his role as a cultural and artistic trailblazer. His legacy is intertwined with the Black Arts Movement, and his vibrant, Afrocentric compositions continue to celebrate the legacy of Civil Rights Movement. His art reflects the Black experience and also outlines the strength and beauty of African heritage, making him a cornerstone of American art history.