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ABOUT JAY C. BAKARI
(Courtesy of Bakari
Editions)
To
look at a painting by Jay C. Bakari, creator of some of the hottest selling
images on the market today, is to enter into a dialogue between the artist and
his culture. And what he is saying about African-American culture and history is
that it is vital, diverse and rich in beauty and imagery.
Born in Pittsburgh, Jay began his formal art education in high school at Forbes
Road Vocational East. From there he attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania,
Ivy School of Art, and finally transferred from Ivy to The Art Institute of
Pittsburgh. He ran out of money before he completed his degree, however, and was
forced to continue the development of his skills while supporting himself with a
day job and utilizing the resources of local libraries.
Though his original drawings and paintings are unavailable for sale, the
high-quality color and black-and-white prints he offers allow him to make his
work accessible to the general public at prices anyone can afford.
Working in oil paints, charcoal and pencil, pen and ink or watercolor, Jay pulls
his visual themes from a variety of sources.
Jay's work has also represented companies such as Anheuser-Busch, Prudential
Insurance and Union National Bank. Jay's prints grace the walls of business and
residences throughout the United States and abroad in England, Ghana, Nigeria
and Canada. Some of Jay's collectors include personalities such as: Dr. Betty
Shabazz, Dr. Maulana Karenga (the founder of Kwanzaa), Spike Lee and actress
Tyne Daly.
Always demanding more of himself, Jay says his best works are yet to come.
Considering his present body of work, the prospect of watching the continued
growth of such a talent can only be viewed with great anticipation.
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