Provenance

Oliver Lee Jackson

Jackson, Oliver L.

American, born 1935

Explore selected works

The image displays delicate pencil lines and soft shading forming abstract shapes. There is a rectangular frame enclosing a shape resembling a figure or silhouette in the upper section, with fragmented details. Below this, lines spread out into dispersed forms, with one section containing a densely shaded area resembling contours of a landscape or reclining figure. The abstract shapes allow for various interpretations, connecting human figures and natural formations through simple pencil strokes.
Oliver Lee Jackson, Study for Portrait of Julius Hemphill II, 1973, graphite on paper, Gift of the Artist in Honor of Harry Cooper and Julius Hemphill, 2021.43.2

Study for Portrait of Julius Hemphill II

Oliver Lee Jackson · 1973 · graphite on paper ·  Accession ID  2021.43.2

The image displays a person's face with a stylized drawing of a skull. The face, placed on the right side, includes the head with bold orange marker outlines, depicting sunglasses, a beard, and textured hair. The person is not wearing visible clothing, and there are no accessories. The background is plain white paper, contrasting with the orange drawings. The signature and date are located in the bottom left corner of the paper.
Oliver Lee Jackson, Study for Portrait of Julius Hemphill IV, 1973, marker on paper, Gift of the Artist in Honor of Harry Cooper and Julius Hemphill, 2021.43.4

Study for Portrait of Julius Hemphill IV

Oliver Lee Jackson · 1973 · marker on paper ·  Accession ID  2021.43.4

The image depicts three rough sketches of a person's head in different positions. The heads are illustrated with closed eyes, a nose, and suggested lips. The hair is drawn with dense, dark strokes and styled high. There are no visible clothing details or defined objects. The background is plain, and the drawing is on light-colored paper. At the bottom left corner, there is a signature or inscription that reads "@ OHS '73".
Oliver Lee Jackson, Study for Portrait of Julius Hemphill I, 1973, graphite on paper, Gift of the Artist in Honor of Harry Cooper and Julius Hemphill, 2021.43.1

Study for Portrait of Julius Hemphill I

Oliver Lee Jackson · 1973 · graphite on paper ·  Accession ID  2021.43.1

The image displays various lines and shapes, with a vertical, slightly curved form extending upwards from the bottom half of the canvas. Throughout the artwork, there are circular shapes and scattered small elements against a gray background, contributing to the abstract nature of the piece. The main vertical form consists of metallic textures and protrusions, akin to a totem or a mechanical figure. Circular elements appear on the canvas and on the vertical form, resembling bolts or knobs and enhancing the mechanical or industrial theme of the composition.
Oliver Lee Jackson, Portrait of Julius Hemphill, 1973, silver paint, studs, and mixed media on canvas, Gift of the Oliver L. Jackson Trust, 2015.152.1

Portrait of Julius Hemphill

Oliver Lee Jackson · 1973 · silver paint, studs, and mixed media on canvas ·  Accession ID  2015.152.1

The image shows three panels in a horizontal line, all filled with abstract shapes and lines. Bold black silhouettes resemble figures in motion or dancing against a backdrop of yellow-orange, pale blue, pale pink, light green, and white patches, some of which also look like silhouettes. The different shapes and patches appear to have been cut up and stuck together, like a collage, creating overlapping shapes of faces, limbs, and bodies. Each panel is surrounded by a thin brown frame.
Oliver Lee Jackson, Triptych (3.20.15, 5.21.15, 6.8.15), 2015, applied felt, chalk, alkyd paint, and mixed media on wood panel, Purchased with funds from the Glenstone Foundation, 2019.143.1

Triptych (3.20.15, 5.21.15, 6.8.15)

Oliver Lee Jackson · 2015 · applied felt, chalk, alkyd paint, and mixed media on wood panel ·  Accession ID  2019.143.1

The image consists of a series of thin, sketchy lines and broad, hasty strokes forming an abstract pattern across the page. The central shape suggests a large, undefined figure or object, perhaps reminiscent of a person in a contemplative pose, surrounded by a variety of smaller rectangular frames containing different designs. Each frame contains its own distinct abstract mini-scenes resembling rough sketches of figures, vessels, or everyday objects like bottles and cups. Some sections have cross-hatching or shaded areas, adding texture and depth to the linework.
Oliver Lee Jackson, Study for Portrait of Julius Hemphill III, 1973, ink on paper, Gift of the Artist in Honor of Harry Cooper and Julius Hemphill, 2021.43.3

Study for Portrait of Julius Hemphill III

Oliver Lee Jackson · 1973 · ink on paper ·  Accession ID  2021.43.3