It’s a chance for visitors to see a number of Ernie’s works that he painted throughout his life and see the impact that the state had on him and his career.”īorn July 15, 1938, Barnes grew up in Durham (Durham County). This exhibit is an amazing opportunity for the state of North Carolina. “He was a remarkable human being who defied odds and became a renowned artist. “Although I never got a chance to meet Ernie in person, I was so honored to be able to work on this exhibit- because now I feel like I do know him,” said exhibit curator Katie Edwards.
ERNIE BARNES THE TUNESMITH PROFESSIONAL
Affectionately nicknamed “Big Rembrandt” by his teammates, he is the first professional American athlete to become a noted painter.
This painting, "The Sugar Shack," was inspired by an actual dance at the Durham Armory.īarnes is best known for his unique style of elongation, energy, and movement. In his prolific body of work, Barnes chronicled his personal experiences with football, music, dance, love, sports, education, church, and the South. Widely-known as the real painter of the artwork in the groundbreaking African-American sitcom Good Times, Barnes' style has been widely imitated. It is best exemplified by his iconic Sugar Shack dance scene that appeared on a Marvin Gaye album cover and in the closing credits of Good Times. After five seasons as a professional football player, he retired at age 27 to pursue art. Barnes was born and raised in Durham, North Carolina.
This exhibition showcases many unpublished Ernie Barnes original paintings, as well as artifacts from his life.
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