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Life of Gus Nall (The Artist)

Gus Nall (1919-1995) an African American artist born in Illinois.[1] Nall was an active painter during the mid-20th century in Chicago, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois.[2] Nall’s most known work is his painting Lincoln Speaks to Freedmen on the Steps of the Capital at Richmond (1963). He was commissioned by the state of Illinois to create a work of art in honor of the 100th anniversary of the emancipation proclamation.

Early Life: Gus Nall, was an influential African-American artist born in Chicago, Illinois in 1919. Nall was a renowned artist during the 1960’s, known for his modernist paintings. He studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and as well as in Paris. During his life, he was featured in Art Gallery Magazine (1968, "The Afro-American Issue”) as well as Carol Myers' Black Power in the Arts. He practiced his art until he later died in 1995.

Career: Nall’s work consisted of elongated human figures, Cubist and Expressionist styles of painting, and African art. His art most often portrays representations of African Americans. . He was influenced by Archibald Motley and Eldzier Cortor, who were fellow artist from Chicago. Nall’s work allowed him to become a role model to fellow painters as well as those interested in his life as an artist. Nall had an inspiring effect on the life of fellow artist and writer Clarence Major who looked up to him. Some of his well-known paintings include “Offering Fruit”, and “Couple.”

Personal Life: Nall was married to Thelma Nall at the tender age of twenty-one in 1940.