How Tschabalala Self Inspired Ligel Lambert to Create a Portrait of Robert Reed for the Black Male Artist Professor Series

Ligel Lambert with Tschabalala Self on May 21, 2024, at the American Federation of Arts Luncheon.
On May 21, 2024, at the American Federation of Arts Luncheon, Ligel Lambert had the pleasure of meeting and conversing with the immensely talented visual artist Tschabalala Self. This meeting not only marked a significant moment in Ligel’s career but also became a source of profound inspiration, sparking the creation of a new painting for his Black Male Artist Professor Series.

The Inspiration Behind the Painting
Tschabalala Self is known for her powerful and dynamic artworks that explore themes of identity, race, and gender. Her unique style, combining collage, painting, and printmaking, brings a fresh and compelling voice to contemporary art. During their conversation, Tschabalala’s insights and perspectives on art and representation deeply resonated with Ligel. She emphasized the importance of celebrating Black artists and educators who have paved the way for future generations.

This conversation reminded Ligel of Robert Reed, a renowned visual artist and former Yale professor. Robert Reed’s contributions to the art world and art education have been monumental, influencing countless students and artists throughout his career. Inspired by Tschabalala Self’s dedication to highlighting Black excellence in art, Ligel decided to create a portrait of Robert Reed to be part of his ongoing Black Male Artist Professor Series.

The Black Male Artist Professor Series
The Black Male Artist Professor Series aims to showcase and celebrate the accomplishments of Black male visual artists and art education professors who have made significant contributions to the art world or art education. This series features paintings inspired by Fauvism, created using a combination of acrylic and oil paints and incorporating symbolic references for each subject. Each painting is standardized at 36" x 48", ensuring consistency while employing unique techniques to represent each artist.

Ligel’s dedication to this series is driven by his passion for recognizing the impact of these artists and professors on society and the art world. The series will eventually comprise 20 to 25 paintings, each highlighting the unique legacy of its subject.

A temporary book cover for Ligel’s future book series on the paintings
The Portrait of Robert Reed
Robert Reed, with his profound influence as both an artist and educator, became a natural choice for Ligel’s series. The portrait aims to capture Reed’s essence and contributions, reflecting his dedication to art and education. Ligel’s approach, inspired by Tschabalala Self’s emphasis on representation, seeks to honor Reed’s legacy through a vibrant and expressive visual language.

Watch the Portrait in Progress
Ligel has shared a YouTube video showcasing the progress of the portrait painting of Robert Reed. This behind-the-scenes look provides insight into Ligel’s artistic process and the meticulous effort that goes into each piece in the series.

Watch the youtube video here

Conclusion
Meeting Tschabalala Self was a pivotal moment for Ligel, reinforcing the importance of celebrating Black artists who have profoundly impacted the art world. Her inspiration led to the creation of a portrait of Robert Reed, adding another layer of depth and significance to Ligel’s Black Male Artist Professor Series. This series not only honors the legacy of these remarkable individuals but also aims to inspire future generations of artists and educators.

For more updates and to see the completed works in the Black Male Artist Professor Series, follow Ligel on his social media platforms:

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Stay tuned for more updates and upcoming exhibitions celebrating the achievements of Black male artists and professors.