C1963 Abstract Painting Civil Rights Activist Artist Jazz Player Marzette Watts

Description: For sale is one of several original rare lovely and colorful abstract artworks by the early civil rights activist, artist, and noted American jazz tenor and soprano saxophonist, Marzette Watts (1938 - 1998) After art school in New York Watts left for France in 1962 and then returned to New York and becoming a part of the very eclectic jazz scene. The early artworks he created were stored away for many years up until recently, when they were rediscovered in an estate of a family member. This painting was done in 1963 most likely when he was an art student in NYC after leaving Alabama in 1960 for New York It features an incredibly lively and actionable visual abstract lyrical jazz like scene of colorful morphic forms, twisted shapes, linear work, and with blobs and gashes of color in a very symphonic cohesion of form and movement. Almost as if the artist took the jazz music in his head and painted them instead of playing them. A real tour de force of 1960's abstract art by an artist who went on to become a very well-known jazz musician. Oil paint on paper. With the Marzette Watts estate stamp on reverse. This painting can be found in the estate catalogue that was made for the sale of these artworks. (See picture). The catalogue pictured in our photographs IS INCLUDED IN THE SALE. Condition: The edges with normal wear. Some age related toning. The viewable image being in very good frameable good condition. See all pics Should frame up good. SHIPS CAREFULLY ROLLED IN LARGE SIZE SHIPPING TUBE. USPS PRIORITY MAIL. Measurements: 18" x 24" Unframed Marzette Watts (1938 - 1998) In 1960, after participating in the historic lunch counter sit-in at the Montgomery, Alabama courthouse, Marzette Watts found himself expelled from Alabama State College. Faced with intimidation from both law enforcement and the Ku Klux Klan, Marzette, a founding member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, made the life-altering decision to leave Alabama behind and embark on a new chapter in New York City. Having been an art major at ASC, Watts continued his creative journey by enrolling at New York University (NYU), where he had the opportunity to study under the guidance of famed Amistad muralist Hale Woodruff. His pursuit of knowledge and culture also took him to the Sorbonne in France, where he further honed his artistic sensibilities. Upon settling into the vibrant community of 27 Cooper Square in Manhattan, Marzette Watts became a part of an eclectic circle that included luminaries such as Le Roi Jones, Allen Ginsberg, Larry Rivers, and Free Jazz innovator Archie Shepp. The fervent activism of the Free Jazz movement would ultimately redirect Marzette’s creative genius from the realm of painting to the world of music During this transformative period, he forged a close friendship with Lawrence Weiner, with whom he collaborated on soundtracks. Subsequently, Marzette ventured into the music industry by establishing his own recording companies and, in time, found himself sharing his knowledge as an educator at Wesleyan University.

Price: 450 USD

Location: Kingston, New York

End Time: 2024-11-18T18:29:23.000Z

Shipping Cost: 14.5 USD