Norman Lewis

Norman Lewis was an important member of the first-generation Abstract Expressionist movement, uniquely combining representations of figural and geometric forms. The significant contributions by Black artists to this artistic movement have been egregiously unrepresented until recent years. In 1950, Norman Lewis was the first Black artist to be present at the historic meetings held at Studio 35 in New York City where artists such as Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, etc. discussed their burgeoning artistic ideas. Aside from his prominence as an artist, Lewis was an active participant in Harlem’s art community. He worked at Augusta Savage’s Studio of Arts and Crafts and joined several artist collectives along with other Harlem Art Collection artists, such as the 306 Group with Jacob Lawrence, and the Spiral collective with Hale Woodruff. In 1970, Lewis co-founded the Cinque Gallery with Ernest Crichlow and Romare Bearden.

Title: Seascape
Artist: Norman Lewis (1909 – 1979) 
Date: 1973
Medium: oil and pastel on paper       
Dimensions: 22 x 30 inches
Accession Number: H77.44

This record is a work in progress. If you have additional information or spotted an error, please send feedback to Curatorial & Visitor Services.

Reproduction of the images contained on this page is not permitted without express permission.  If you would like to reproduce an image of a work of art in the collections overseen by the New York State Office of General Services, or an image of an OGS publication or archival material, please contact Curatorial & Visitor Services.