Pheoris West

“Africentricity is what explains the structure of my art work while not neglecting the aspect of making art. Making the art comes from a passion to create that artists are blessed with. Making artwork is a way of creating life.” -Pheoris West, Official Website

West studied art at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art and Yale University. He had his first major solo exhibition at the Studio Museum of Harlem in 1974. In his application for the Harlem Art Collection, West explains why the city of Harlem had a profound impact on his work:
 

“My own personal research in looking for elements of black art, centered upon Harlem and some of the lifestyles of Harlem. I looked at Harlem for direction and understanding the culture of ‘street life’, the subject matter in many of my paintings… Although I was not born in Harlem, the Harlem life-style is a magnified version of my own life style.”

Title: Cornerin'
Artist: Pheoris West (1950 – 2021)
Date: 1976
Medium: acrylic on canvas  
Dimensions: Image size: 59 9/16 x 40 inches; Framed: 60 7/16 x 40 3/4 inches
Accession Number: H77.75  

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