Signed Ezekiel Gibbs (American, 1889-1992). Untitled crayon drawing, ca. 1980s. Signed in pencil on the lower right. A fascinating, dreamlike scene by outsider artist Ezekiel Gibbs depicting an agricultural theme featuring farm laborers, a large animal (perhaps a hog or a cow), and a wagon surrounded by fruit trees and watermelons, all delineated in scarlet red, granny smith apple green, sepia, lilac, and licorice black crayon. Gibbs began painting at age 83, having spent most of his adult life working as a sharecropper and serving as a deacon in his church. His wife's death prompted him to depict his memories in a dreamlike manner, as if they are floating upon the page. A wonderful example of Gibbs' work, set in a custom frame. Size (sight view): 11.75" L x 17.5" W (29.8 cm x 44.4 cm) Size of frame: 21.25" L x 26.75" W (54 cm x 67.9 cm)

Ezekiel Gibbs was born in Fort Bend, Texas. He lost his parents before he was 6 years old, did not receive a formal education, and spent most of his adult life working as a sharecropper. Religion was very important to him, and he served as a deacon in Vernon Missionary Baptist church for over 50 years. Gibbs started creating art relatively late in life, beginning in 1972 at age 83. After his wife passed away, he painted to immerse himself in his memories. Gibbs used various mediums - oil pastels, pencil, watercolors, and crayons - to create his images on found materials. His style has been compared to the dreamlike quality of Marc Chagall - envisioning his memories as if floating on the picture plane.

Gibbs' artworks have been exhibited in several museum exhibitions, including "Spirited Journeys: Self-Taught Texas Artists of the Twentieth Century" (1997) at Archer M. Huntington Art Gallery, University of Texas at Austin and "Passionate Visions of the American South: Self-Taught Artists from 1940 the Present" (1993-1995) traveling to New Orleans, Berkeley, San Diego, Washington, D.C., and Raleigh. Quoted in a review of "Spirited Journeys" Gibbs stated, "I've painted just about everything I ever did or ever saw." ("Untrained Wonders UT's Exhibition of Self-Taught Artists Features Miracles" by Rebecca S. Cohen, September 12, 1997 - The Austin Chronicle).

Provenance: J Compton Gallery, Wimberley, Texas, USA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#167214

Artwork has not been examined outside the frame but appears to be in excellent condition. Signed in pencil on the lower right. Frame is in very nice condition as well and ready to display.