Lois Mailou Jones

Loïs Mailou Jones (1905-1998) was an African-American artist. She produced a diverse body of artwork over her 70-year career. Worked in textile design and Impressionist-style paintings, Haitian- and African-inspired watercolors and paintings. Jones’s work embodied various styles of art prevalent during the 20th century. Street Vendors, Haiti - 1978

2 1 4 3 At Howard University Thomas, her father Lois Mailou Jones, 1936 Lois and husband Verginaud

Her works were mostly inspired by her experiences with discrimination, and the aftermath of the Harlem Renaissance. In 1931, Lois Mailou Jones went to Paris. In Paris, she attended the Academe Julian, where she studied painting.

Her most popular works were a great number of oils and watercolors Her most popular works were a great number of oils and watercolors. These works carefully, and skillfully depict aspects of African masks, textiles, and figures. Lois Mailou Jones was one of the first female African-American painters to depict African imagery. Les Fetiches was completed during her stay in Paris. The accurate representation of the artifacts is a result of her first hand study of African masks. Les Fetiches is a blend of spirit and a stirring depiction ancestry. Les Fetiches 1938

Ubi Girl from Tai Region combines motifs (objects forming a distinct design element) from different regions of Africa Combines abstraction with realism and design with painting. “By combining the motifs from various regions of Africa, I try to explore on canvas a sense of the underlying unity of all Africa.” Ubi Girl from Tai Region 1972

Things to look for in Ubi Girl from Tai Region: • Painted face: Many West African cultures welcome young men and women into adulthood following elaborate initiation ceremonies. Colours signify various cultural values in West Africa. White, for instance, often signifies purity. • Geometric shape motif: Elaborate design motifs adorn a variety of West African textiles. • Mask profile: Masks are one of the most prominent art forms in Africa. Masks are created for functional purposes such as religious ceremonies or ritual performances.

A simple flat geometric composition relates to the textile designs of west African textiles. Patterns are ordered, the colours are flat and bold. The limited palette of Red, Blue, Black and Yellow helps unite the different sections together. Moon Masque mixed media, 1971

Nigeria 1971 - Watercolours Combines pattern with 3D representations of African masks and symbols in a layered composition. Skill is shown through the accurate blending of painted tones on the masks.

Symboles D'Afrique I 1980 Acrylic on Board

Damballah 1980

Petite Ballerina 1982 Western style portrait painting has been included with flat African motifs and patterns. The girl’s face is the first point of focus. She has been rendered skillfully including a range of tones to show the form of the portrait.

Haiti Demain? Mixed media, 1987

Make our own masks art project inspired by Lois Mailou Jones’ style. Think lemons!!