Study for Portrait of Julius Hemphill III 1973

Oliver Lee Jackson created this pen and ink study for a portrait of Julius Hemphill III, a composer and saxophonist. The study offers us a glimpse into Jackson’s process. Jackson, an artist of the African diaspora, confronts and reimagines the western art historical canon, asserting the presence and centrality of Black figures. Here, Hemphill is seen as an aggregation of lines, shapes and forms. The composition captures a multitude of perspectives and angles, moving beyond traditional portraiture to reflect the dynamic and multifaceted nature of identity. The surrounding shapes give glimpses of the musician's personal and professional life. In Jackson’s work, the representation of Black figures becomes a powerful act of cultural and political assertion. The delicate, almost ephemeral quality of the ink lines evokes a sense of vulnerability and humanity. Jackson invites us to consider the stories, experiences, and identities embodied in the figure of Julius Hemphill III.