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Biography of Gus Nall

Gus Nall is an African American artist of great influence. Born in Illinois in 1919 and died in 1995, Nall was a painter during the mid-20th century in several different areas such as Chicago, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois. He was married to Thelma Nall at the age of 21. He was a renowned artist during the 1960s. Nall was recognized as a modernist because his paintings were modern. He studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and Paris.

Art and Painting Career

Nall’s most known work is his painting Lincoln Speaks to Freedmen on the Steps of the Capital at Richmond (1963). He was commissioned by the state of Illinois to create a work of art in honor of the 100th anniversary of the emancipation proclamation. During his life, he was featured in Art Gallery Magazine in 1968 ("The Afro-American Issue”) as well as Carol Myers' Black Power in the Arts. Nall’s work consisted of elongated human figures, cubism , and expressionist painting style, and African art. His art most often portrays representations of African Americans. He was influenced by Archibald Motley and Eldzier Cortor, who were fellow artist from Chicago. Nall’s work allowed him to become a role model to fellow painters as well as those interested in his life as an artist. Nall had an inspiring effect on the life of fellow artist and writer, Clarence Major, who looked up to him. Some of his well-known paintings include “Offering Fruit” and “Couple." Nall practiced his art until he later died in 1995.

Art Piece by Gus Nall: "Offering Fruit"

This is another art piece created by Gus Nall (1950) that is not titled.

References