The Art of Muralist John Biggers : African American painter is a witness to his time and culture

What better opportunity to become acquainted with a master than to feel the music of life in America’s black communities as documented in the art of muralist John Biggers.

The California Afro-American Museum at Exposition Park is now exhibiting a major retrospective of this American painter whose fame is undeservedly smaller than his talent.

Biggers was born in Gastonia, N.C., in 1924 and, having lost his father at age 13, learned early how to handle himself and survive in a difficult environment. And he had good fortune. By the time he found himself at a crossroads, at Hampton Institute, training to become a plumber, he had a sympathetic teacher who encouraged young Biggers to follow his natural talents as a painter. It was World War II, and the student joined the Navy. The teacher, meanwhile, took one of Biggers’ works, a mural entitled “Dying Soldier,” and placed it in a student exhibition he organized for the Museum of Modern Art. The artist was just 19 at the time, but even then it was clear that he would become a witness to his time and his culture.

His depictions of life in the urban landscape in works like “Women Walking to Market” tell a magnificent human story, full of warmth, humor and rhythm and devoid of sentimentality.

Biggers’ impressive mastery of his craft has taken him to artistic heights as a painter and a storyteller. When he illuminates the accomplishments of African American people, the picture that emerges conveys pride and purpose. In 1957, Biggers went to Ghana in West Africa and captured the sense of the place in a work nearly 9 feet wide, entitled “Jubilee: Ghana Harvest Festival.” It is on exhibit in the show here. Like his other works, it celebrates the life of the people.

John Biggers’ art belongs in a short and exclusive list of artists like Bruegel, Louis Le Nain, Goya, Daumier and Picasso, whose offerings have the force of a privileged eyewitness who knows how to combine form and content in the most fortunate manner.

“The Art of John Biggers: View From the Upper Room,” can be seen at the California Afro-American Museum, 600 State Dr., Exposition Park, though April 21. Closed Mondays. [213] 744-7432.