Romare Bearden (1911-1988) was an African American artist and writer, best known for his collages and paintings that depicted the experiences and culture of Black Americans. Bearden’s work often explored themes of identity, memory, and social justice.

Bearden’s art drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including jazz music, African art, and the urban environment of his native New York City. His collages were particularly noteworthy, incorporating a wide range of materials such as photographs, magazine clippings, and textiles to create complex, layered images that reflected the complexity of Black life.

In addition to his art, Bearden was also a writer and an activist. He co-founded the Harlem-based Spiral group, which sought to address issues of racial inequality and promote the work of Black artists. Bearden’s writing often focused on the connections between art, culture, and politics, and he was a strong advocate for the importance of Black artists in American society.

Bearden’s legacy continues to inspire artists today, particularly those working in the fields of collage and mixed media. His work has been the subject of numerous exhibitions and retrospectives, and his influence can be seen in the work of contemporary artists such as Mickalene Thomas and Kehinde Wiley. Bearden’s contributions to the art world and his commitment to social justice have made him an important figure in American cultural history.

Moxie is privileged to make Bearden’s work and his hundred’s of images available for collaborations and licensing. Categories available include apparel, gifts ware, home products, books, textiles, fashion accessories and paper products.

Click here to visit the Romar Bearden Foundation website.