Many living treasures inhabit nooks and crannies throughout Baltimore.
On the east side is one such treasure—Eugene R. Coles.
For forty years, he has been holding court in the art world with his surreal abstractionist works of paintings, drawings and collages.
On Thursday, October 19, The Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center gave a reception for his open exhibit “Forty Year Perspective,” which will run through Saturday, January 30, 2010.
Coles’s cavalcade of images meticulously placed on the canvas is a reflection of his political philosophy, shaped by the socially turbulent ‘60s America through his time spent in his favorite metropolis—Paris.
“Paris is a haven for artists and writers,” reflected Cole, whose home is a literal art gallery, with sounds of Miles Davis and John Coltrane in the background.
“You have to be innovative and open,” said Cole of his affinity with jazz, which influences his work.
Perhaps his most startling and provocative pieces are his collages. He is an expert at creating well-cut diametrically opposed images. “I consider myself a designer,” said Cole.
Coles has created album covers for Gary Barts, Gil Scott Heron and Edwin Birdsong, and like his contemporaries Davis and Coltrane, has achieved international success, while battling to have his artistic voice heard through the American pop culture muck.
Still Coles continues to create large-scale masterpieces of richly textural black and white and colored works.
Coles—a native of New York—had a brief tour in the U.S. Army. The day following his honorable discharge he enrolled in Morgan State University’s Fine Arts program where he earned his bachelor’s degree. His graduate studies were at the Maryland Institute College of Art.
His three summer stint in Paris was at The Ecole des Beaux-Arts at Fontainebleau, where he earned two certificates in painting and drawing.
Coles has been featured in numerous art publications both nationally and internationall. His extensive portfolio is a demonstration of his love for the 100-year history of abstractionist art.
His features include African American Art and Artists by Samella Lewis, the 8th International Biennial Print and Drawing Exhibition R.O.C. 1997, as well as works online at www.briscoegallery.com.
“Forty Year Retrospective investigates and rejoices in the continuing vitality of the dynamically adventuresome and highly unique artistic expression of surreal abstraction in each art work—the quintessential development of form and shape in modern art—as it adopts to the 21st century,” said Coles.
The Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center is located on 847 Howard Street in the historic antique district. It is open Wednesday through Friday from 12 noon to 6 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday by appointment.
To learn more call 410-225-3130. You may visit their website at www.eubieblake.org.
On the east side is one such treasure—Eugene R. Coles.
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