Items

• Geometric Cactus Landscape

  This painting by Jesse Sifuentes shows a landscape scene featuring cactuses. Several TSU art alumni talk about how Dr. John Biggers taught them based on themes more than techniques. Many works from the 1970s use geometric styles, perhaps a reflection of lessons from the time.
• Black Jesus with Onlookers

  Ricky Donato's painting shows onlookers of various ages gazing with concern at a man who is bleeding and wearing a cross. This is likely an allegory for Jesus, often portrayed bloodied from the crucifixion. Imagery of "Black Jesus" counters iconography of a fair-skinned Jesus.
• Self Portrait

  Erma Gordon's self portrait shows the artist from three different angles. The three profiles are tied together by a light, almost translucent fabric that is worn by the frontmost figure and held by the others. This motif is used repeatedly by the artist, including in her mural.
• Self Portrait

  This painting is an Afrocentric self portrait of Earl Jones, who attended Texas Southern University in the mid-1970s. Jones painted himself wearing a detailed shirt with various patterns reminiscent of African textiles. The background includes round homes with conical roofs.
• Malindy

  Armstead Mills' painting shows a woman holding a bucket and striding through a field of flowers, with a small dog at her ankles. Malindy, wearing a dress and carrying a bucket, is portrayed tenderly and beautifully in this colorful nature scene.