COVID-19 PAGES Featured Artist – DR. PHYLLIS I. THOMPSON
Born in D.C., Dr. Thompson received her BFA in printmaking from the Philadelphia College of Art and her MFA in printmaking from Tyler School of Art, Temple University. She also holds a Ph.D. in Urban Education/Art Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She has been printmaking and art education faculty at numerous institutions including Cornell University, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and Buffalo State College where she retired from full-time teaching. Her work has been shown in galleries and museums across the U.S. including the University of Wisconsin Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and in Buffalo, Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center, Burchfield Penney Arts Center, El Museo Buffalo, Kenan Center, and the Western New York Book Arts Center.
Dr. Thompson explores memories of family, relationships, and ancestors. Using assorted collage materials including patterned fabric, textured papers, and photographs along with pencil and crayon drawing, she creates one-of-a-kind mixed media monotypes.
She says of her submission for COVID-19 Pages “Ancestor with Sunday Hat #3” –
“During the Covid-19 lockdown, I learned that so many people, especially Black people, were becoming sick and dying. Working at home, I organized old family photographs and included them in my artwork. I spent time reflecting on my ancestors who resisted and survived slavery and the repressive conditions that followed. Ancestor with Sunday Hat #3 is about coming from mothers who survived because of their spirituality and resistance to negative forces, and who continue to do so. In this way, I honor them and give them a new life.”
To visit COVID-19 PAGES: The Influence & Inspiration of Women, click on the following link: https://wellsinternationalfoundation.org/covid-19-pages-exhibit/
