Arnold White (b. 1938)

Visit his web site www.ArnoldWhite.net

Born and raised in Oakland, Caifornia, Arnold White is a virtually self-taught painter who studied design first by copying comic books and then by taking adult education classes in his community.

Among his influences are Romare Bearden, Pablo Picasso, Jacob Lawrence, and, closer to home, one of his, instructors, San Francisco Bay Area artist Vincent Perez.

Employing vivid colors and geometric patterns, White's works are often infused with stark political messages."Through my art I show the human race's plight, struggle, humanity, and quest for justice," he says.

Canadian Still Life, (shown below) completed during a trip to Vancouver, British Columbia, is his first still life. "I challenged myself to do it," White says, "after years of painting social / political pieces.

Arnold lives and works at Galleria Arnold White 5975 Shattuck Avenue Oakland, CA 94609 (510) 601-9273
Regular Gallery Hours Noon - 6 pm Wed. - Sat Other times by appt.

Claim to fame: The boldly colored canvases of Arnold White are reminiscent of the works of his artistic role models: Romare Bearden, Pablo Picasso and Jacob Lawrence. His works are infused with stark political messages which deal with the plight of the homeless, the poverty-stricken and the disenfranchised. He has exhibited widely and his paintings are in collections all over the world, including that of South African leader, Nelson Mandela.

Biography: White grew up in West Oakland near 10th and Willow, the present site of Campbell Village housing project. "My mother cleaned the homes of wealthy families in Piedmont for 10 cents an hour. My father tells of walking along the railroad tracks once and finding $1.50 which fed us for a whole week." White graduated – McClymonds High in 1956.

Speaking with a brush: "It's been my feeling that through my art I can speak to the down trodden. These people keep me going."

Making art accessible: "Some people feel excluded from galleries and museums. That's why I've exhibited at Housewives Market, even when people said the winos would steal from me. I wanted to take my art to the people, especially the children, who have no opportunity to go to a museum.

What would make his life complete?: "If I could paint the rest of my life and have my message received. It's a feeling I can only describe as having a train inside of you. It's one great love connection."

Slam Dunk

Assemblage - Finished wood, parquet flooring, rocks food strainer, mini basketball, twine, cardboard (lips), foil (knee pad/eye), my son - Roderick's tennis shoes/socks, metal#2, plywood backing, 2x4 frame, liquid plastic/ varnish finish. Copyright © 1991.