Burgess Modern + Contemporary is excited to announce, “Purvis Young: WARRIOR”, a curated exhibition of mixed media paintings spotlighting Young’s expansive career. A self-taught painter from Miami’s Overtown neighborhood, Purvis used his art as a powerful expression of his life story and the experiences of his peers. At Burgess Modern + Contemporary we celebrate the works of this remarkable artist and honor him as an essential figure that shaped our understanding of Black Culture.
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Saints II, 1994
Mixed Media House Paint on Laid Fabric
46.50 x 19.50 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Saints, 1994
Mixed Media
46 x 21 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Talk To Her, 1995
Mixed Media
48 x 20 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Free Her, 1992
Mixed Media
48 x 18 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Collage 1989, 1989
OIl enamels on wood with wood collage
86 x 31 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Angel in the City, 1992
Mixed Media house paint on panel
48.50 x 17 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Three Dudes, 1980’s
Acrylic paint on board
48 x 21.75 x 1 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Collage 1994 - 1996,
1994-1996
Paint and wood construction on board
96 x 24 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Collage 1994,
1994
Mixed Media
96 x 26 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Jazz Men, 1994
Mixed Media House Paint on wood and carpet on laid fabric
37 x 32 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Carry Over The Mountain, 1990
Mixed Media house paint on cardboard
28 x 50 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
She's an Angel, 1995
Mixed Media house paint on wood
31.50 x 21.50 in
Purvis Young is an exemplary example of an artist whose work speaks directly to our current strife and seeks to provide guidance forward. As a Black American artist, Young's depictions make power palpable, urging viewers to look within for introspection and moral growth. His somber figures with vibrant artistic expressionism has granted insight into the soul of civil unrest and the possibility that future strife can be diverted through bold strides towards pro-social reform. Herein lies Young’s greatest contribution: A sober reminder that constructive dialogue is key if we are to chart a new course away from destruction and despair - his inspiring works provide us with direction on that path forward.
Purvis Young created artworks that express powerful, figurative systems of allegory focusing on the many social injustices and racial inequalities he encountered in his lifetime. His art both conveys the literal realities of prejudiced treatment endured by African Americans and works to explore new ways to break through some of this maltreatment. By employing his distinctive style Young's art has come to embody a cautionary tale for our nation, along with spiritual guidance- one that stretches from our collective past and present policies. As such, his was an unwavering voice in showcasing minority experience during a time rife with tension between economic classes and racial identity.
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Saint Michael's Battle, circa 1980's
Mixed media collage on board with carpet
48 x 96 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Figures, 1992
Paint on curved on Mica panel.
17 x 47.50 x 8 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Freedom Angel, 1992
Mixed Media
24 x 48 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Leaders at Night, 1991
Mixed Media house paint on cardboard and laid fabric
12 x 35 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Free Them, Now, 1980's
Mixed Media house paint on wood
36 x 36 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Angel and Boats, circa 1980's
Acrylic on board
49 x 48 x 1 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Saint & Angel, 1992
Mixed Media
62 x 48 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Leaders at Night II, 1998
Mixed Media
28 x 24 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Hangin Out, 1993
Mixed Media
40.50 x 30 in
Purvis Young's impact on artistically portraying the struggles of African American and minority populations across the country is incontestable. His bold, emotive work has earned him recognition in over 60 museum collections, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, DeYoung Museum and Philadelphia Museum of Art that have among them some of the most renowned art collections in America.
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Come from the Mountains, 1993
Mixed Media house paint on thin wood
24 x 48 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Warriors Together, 1987
Mixed Media house paint on cardboard and thin wood
17.50 x 48 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Sailing At Sunrise, circa 1980's
Acrylic on board1
3.50 x 75 x 2.50 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
They Know Why, 1992
Mixed Media house paint on thin wood
18 x 48 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Three Angels, circa 1980's
Acrylic on board
24 x 48 x 0.75 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Hold Back the Eye, 1993
Mixed Media House paint and carpet on board
21 x 48 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
People Out, 1995
Mixed Media house paint and carpet on plastic & cardboard
17 x 41 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
The People Want It, 1995
Mixed Media House Paint on wood and laid fabric
19 x 28.50 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Collage 1990, 1990
Mixed Media
59 x 46.50 in
Purvis Young (1943 - 2010)
Drawing from the 1990's #426
Acrylic Paint and ink on paper
14 x 20 in