Mastering artistic traditions

Another very sure piece in the exhibition is "The Library" 1960 (tempera on fiberboard) by Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000). The artist's view recalls a childhood experience when he visited the 135th Street Public Library in Harlem. The patrons are monolithic figures with determined, abstracted heads and faces. The flattened perspective with deft use of line and color serve to make this painting a powerhouse.

Augusta Savage (1900-62) is one of many artists in the show who came to prominence during the Harlem Renaissance. In her painted plaster bust "Gamin" ca. 1929, she convincingly captures the rebellious nature of a young man, reputedly her teenage nephew who lived in Harlem.

Photography is well represented in "African American Masters," with works by James VanDerZee (1886-1983), P.H. Polk (1898-1984), Gordon Parks (1912-), Robert McNeill (1917-), Jules Allen (1947-), Roy DeCarava (1919-) and more. From wanting to be portrayed like affluent "whites" to the more contemporary defiant stance of the proud "black," each photograph is convincing.

One post-modernist work in the show, "Top of the Line (Steel)," 1992 (enamel, roping, and found metal objects), by Thornton Dial Sr. (1928-) was created after the riots in Los Angeles in the summer of 1992. Thousands looted businesses and damaged property in response to the verdict acquitting white police officers, who had been videotaped brutally beating an unarmed black motorist.

Dial, a former steelworker, used refrigerator, air conditioner, and automobile parts to refer to goods coveted by looters. The piece is large, graphic and full of anger. It is wonderful.

After seeing and studying the 61 works in "African American Masters," viewers will be moved; the show is profound, potent and pleasing. The craftsmanship and imagination in every piece astound. Here there is great heart and great vision.

Frankly put, why define these artists solely as "African American Masters"? The art in this exhibit is the work of "American Masters."

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If you go

What: "African American Masters"

Where: Utah Museum of Fine Arts, 410 Campus Center Drive, University of Utah

When: Through Feb. 28

Museum hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Wednesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

closed Mondays and holidays

How much: $4 adults, $2 seniors and students

Parking: Free visitor parking, paid-parking lot east of museum

Phone: 581-7332

Web: www.umfa.utah.edu

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E-mail: gag@desnews.com