Archibald john motley jr biography
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Archibald john motley jr biography
Archibald Motley, Jr.
Biography
Archibald Motley, Jr. (1891-1981) rose out of the Harlem Renaissance as an artist whose eclectic work ranged from classically naturalistic portraits to vivaciously stylized genre paintings.
Motley’s work notably explored both African American nightlife in Chicago and the tensions of being multiracial in 20th century America.
Despite being born in New Orleans, Motley moved to Chicago at a young age with his parents, settling in the mostly-white, middle-class Englewood neighborhood. In Englewood, Motley’s family was able to live relatively comfortably.
His mother worked as a school teacher, while his father served as a railroad car porter.[1]Motley’s formal study of painting began at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.[2]He benefited from the teaching of renowned realist painter George Bellows at the school, and graduated in 1918.[3]
During this time, Motley focused on using his artistic career as a