Leroy Campbell, 1956.
Basket Weaver, 2008.
About:
Leroy Campbell was born in Monck’s Corner, South Carolina in 1956 and spent his childhood there. As a young man he moved to New York City where he submerged himself in the culture of the city, Jazz and the Black consciousness movement. He never strayed far from his southern roots, however, and it was his experiences growing up in the south that nourishes the work of this gifted self-taught artist. Campbell’s work articulates a cogent and consistent vision of the heart, soul and strivings of African Americans in the South.
Your own light, 2015.
Red Rice, 2015.
Working in mixed media of collage, pastels, charcoal and acrylic, Campbell has evolved a unique and distinctive style which features figures with exaggerated necks and physical features. He calls them “Neckbones”. The Neckbones represent the hardworking, god-fearing, salt-of-the-earth, family-oriented folk of his southern childhood.
Motar and Pestle, 2015.
Campbell’s work has been exhibited in galleries and institutions in the U.S. as well as in Japan and Africa. His prints have been featured on hit television shows such as “Martin”, “Living Single”, “The Heat of the Night” and “Fresh Prince of Bel Air”. He has been awarded a number of commissions including Bacardi Rum, the Phillip Morris Corporation, Joseph E. Seagram and Lucent Technologies. Press and media coverage include NBC’s Today show, “New Yorkers” on Japan Public Broadcasting System, and Newsweek Magazine. (text avisca.com)