From The Strokes Of A Brush: A Legacy

Overdue Recognition Art Gallery Honors Anthony Armstrong

Anthony Armstrong: painter illustrator, graphic artist, social commentary artist, and master of visual imagery who conveyed respect, determination, and strength through his artwork, died February 4, 2020.

Born October 22, 1953, Armstrong’s stepfather gave him his first set of colored pencils at the age of 7, beginning his journey into art and expression. Even when life took him from high school and into the U.S. Navy, a career that garnered him many military decorations, he never forgot his passion. Following his discharge, Armstrong’s formal training in art began. He earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Print Management from the University of the District of Columbia and a Bachelor of Fine Arts, from Philadelphia University of the Arts.

In a quote from Overdue Recognition Art Gallery, Armstrong said of his style, “In the tradition of artist[s] such as Aaron Douglas, Romare Bearden, and Pablo Picasso, I continue to interpret Realism, Cubism and Afrocentric Iconography. With the use of geometric formulas, harmonious color compositions and design motifs I endeavor to fulfill principles of meaningful spatial relationships. It is my hope to create a painting style unlike any other. I continue to be inspired by stories from the bible, recent African American History, and my spiritual awareness”

Those styles come to life in his various works. While their presentations may be different, they convey a message, a feeling of  Armstrong’s connection and his respect for those who paved the way for so many that can be felt in such works as “First Day” In this painting, six- year-old Ruby Bridges, the first African American child to desegregate the all-white William Frantz Elementary school during New Orleans desegregation crisis in 1960 conveys a striking image. A small black child, putting one foot in front of the other, stepping boldly into history as images of Federal Marshall escorts loom over the little girl.

In another work, “In A Colored Waiting Room”, a young boy stands and waits for his time to do or go wherever life is taking him. Armstrong paints him looking out of the canvas as if he were looking into the future.

In a quote from Today’s Top Artist Catalog, Overdue Recognition Art Gallery March 4, 2011, Armstrong describes his vision:

As an artist, I want to establish an artistic aesthetic that reflects my heritage, a person of African descent in the United States, an aesthetic that also reflects my social conscience and technical excellence. I strive to create images inspired by African American People whose real-life experiences are echoed in those images which African American people can relate to directly with or without formal art training. I try to create images that appeal to the senses, and to the intellect. One cannot view my work without seeing there are three distinct categories:

1.      Definition: images that deal with the past.

2.      Identification: images that relate to the present

3.      Direction: images that look into the future

 Armstrong’s talent created the art, but his soul, his understanding freezes the emotion on the canvas. He was not just memorializing history for the generations to come, but re-kindling the feeling of that moment, that time in history.

He took with him the ideas of art that will never be realized, but he left a legacy that keeps him forever alive. It will continue to inspire and strengthen all who see the works he has left behind

to view more artwork by Anthony Armstrong, visit https://www.overduerecognition.com/anthony-armstrong.html