Romare Bearden

Romare Bearden was an amazing artist who worked with many mediums, making social commentary on the lives of  African-Americans of his time.  He was educated at NYU, and in Paris, and was an Army veteran.  Bearden came by his political involvement rightly, as his mother, Bessye Bearden, was a founder and president of the Colored Women's Democratic League.  
In addition to being an accomplished fine artists, Bearden was a songwriter, cartoonist, and with his wife, created the Bearden Foundation to help support young artists.  

Bearden's art started as American Southern scenes and grew into mirrored feelings and critiques of the world around him.  His art often appears to be moving on it's own, giving a sense of the feelings behind the work.  This piece to the right is called Time for Bass.  It was inspired by the jazz Bearden heard and saw in clubs.

His collage work became his most popular style, and he was often credited as the foremost collagist.  This piece to the left entitled, Morning of Red Bird is a great example of his ability to combine elements of other pieces and make a beautiful collage.

His art can be found in many museums around the globe including, but not limited to, The Met, The Mint,  Saint Louis Art Museum, and The Library of Congress.