On September 10, guest curator and lead researcher in charge of the collection and analysis of Kenneth V Young’s work, held a presentation on the late artist’s journey and her own. Kenneth V Young was an African American painter born in Louisville, Kentucky during the era of Jim Crow. Even though his career and life revolved around painting, he also had a strong passion for the sciences.
Young’s art was influenced by an art revolution called the Washington Art School Movement. Artists who painted in this “style” focused on bright colors and abstract concepts in their works. During his time as an artist, Young had three distinct styles of art. His very first style, bands of color, his signature and most famous, orbs of color, and finally cloud like forms. Many of his pieces are influenced by his love for the sciences.
Sarah Battle came to Young’s work not too long after graduating from Bucknell. While preparing for a presentation on his work, she realized quite quickly how little information there was on his life, especially his childhood. In order to find out more about the painter’s early life, she moved to Louisville. For the next seven years, she interviewed over 20 people who knew Young when he was alive, and found his work through various sources.
Now in the Samek Art Museum, various paintings from all of Young’s styles are on display. The artist did not care about the market when he painted. His signature, orbs of color, sold the best out of all of his works. However, just when his art was gaining value and acclaim, he switched to his final style, cloud like forms. He painted what he wanted, and did not consider money as a priority. His works of art, fueled by his passion for the arts and sciences, can be seen at the top floor of the Elaine Lagone Center from now to December 6th.
-Solomon Lloyd