born May 26, 1899, Topeka, Kan., U.S. — died Feb. 2, 1979, Nashville, Tenn.) U.S. painter and graphic artist. In 1925 he moved to New York City, where he joined the burgeoning arts scene in Harlem that later became known as the Harlem Renaissance. In his magazine illustrations and murals, he synthesized Cubist forms with stylized and geometric shapes drawn from African art. Perhaps his most significant work was a series of four murals, collectively titled Aspects of Negro Life, for the 135th Street branch of the New York Public Library. His illustrations are widely known for their tonal gradations and Art Deco-style silhouettes. He taught at Fisk University from 1939 to 1966.
