Barkley L. Hendricks

American, 1945 - 2017

A painter and photographer, Barkley L. Hendricks created work that transcends traditional portraiture.

Born in Philadelphia, Hendricks studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (1963–1967) and later earned his MFA at Yale University, where he was influenced by photographer Walker Evans.

Hendricks is best known for his large-scale, iconic painted portraits of African Americans. Photography played a central role in shaping his approach. He saw his camera as a “mechanical sketchbook,” using it to experiment with composition, light, and texture before translating these ideas into his paintings. His street photography and portrait work were deeply integrated into his creative process, informing the bold realism and vibrant color that characterize his painted subjects.