The Western Journal of Black Studies

Vol. 16. No. 1, 1992

Author, unknown

William Tolliver

Literally, little can be written to further enhance the artistic stature of William Tolliver as a painter. The dynamic splendor of the composition, lines, and colors of his art portrays more than words can lend to describe his creative genius. A nature of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Tolliver began as an artist at the age of seven. He masters all the media, and is equally proficient in the creation of figure studies, landscapes, portraits and semi-abstracts. His works reflect the Black aesthetic and Afro-centric functionalism typical of many African American artists.

Although William Tolliver never received formal art training, he became self-educated by reading and studying such classical artists as Picasso, Monet and Van Gogh. He compares his lines and style with that of Picasso. In later years, he learned that Picasso was influenced to some extent by African art style, cubism. Tolliver’s paintings are intrinsically African in nature and heritage. Yet, he masterfully synthesizes realism, abstractism, impressionism and cubism, thus creating his own style and technique.

The paintings of Tolliver are seen and collected throughout the United States and abroad. His works are featured in museums and in private collections, municipal exhibitions and in various private galleries. He has two art galleries, one located in Atlanta, and the other in Lafayette, Louisiana.

The strength of Tolliver’s figures, the pastoral quality of his landscapes, and the cultural and socio-political messages that some of his paintings convey effect a kind of emotionalism that is admired by art lovers of all races, ethnic groups and socio-economic classes.