Dates
October 17, 2009 – January 3, 2010
Location
Broad and Cherry Streets
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
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Video Preview
Click here to watch a video preview of the works of Barkley Hendricks.
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General Description
Philadelphia native and Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) alumnus Barkley L. Hendricks is the subject of Birth of the Cool, the first career retrospective of the acclaimed artist.
Hendricks is known for his life-sized portraits of people of color, seemingly transforming ordinary subjects into larger-than-life celebrities. Having come of age during the Civil Rights era, Hendricks' works beautifully capture the cool, empowering and often confrontational images of the times.
A unique cross between American realism and post-modernism, Hendricks’ works have influenced a generation of younger artists.
PAFA is hosting free admission and programming every Sunday while the Barkley Hendricks exhibit is open.
Exhibition Highlights
Birth of the Cool presents more than 50 works of Barkley L. Hendricks, featuring:
- Hendricks’ signature, full-length portraits of African American men and women
- A number of self-portraits, including the witty Brilliantly Endowed
- Several porthole-shaped landscapes painted in Jamaica
- Works he produced as a student at PAFA
Free Sunday Series
PAFA offers free admission and special programming on Sundays through the duration of the exhibition.
The Free Sunday Series begins at 2 p.m. and includes hands-on art-making workshops, music and dance performances, lectures, storytelling and video screenings.
CLICK HERE for the full schedule of events.
Two-day Barkley Hendricks and Friends Itinerary
Artist Barkley L. Hendricks and friends show off Philly's cool side by picking their top spots around the city
CLICK HERE to see the Barkley Hendricks and Friends itinerary.
Related Happenings
Feeling inspried by the Barkley Hendricks exhibit to explore more of Philly's cool side? The fun doesn't stop at PAFA, as a variety of cool, can't miss exhibitions, performances and galleries on display in the city throughout the fall.
CLICK HERE to check out Philly’s wide range of related happenings.