My name is Radcliffe Bailey and I’m a visual artist, painter, sculptor.
I’ve always been influenced by those that were self-taught because I felt like the self-taught artists were the ones that had the closest connection to understanding DNA, understanding the practices of African Americans in this country. When I look at this work, I see, as an artist, the intent to say one thing and then also making a twist and saying another thing. But also, Bill Traylor’s work, to me, is like a perfect example of never having a problem with any mark one makes, but learning to make due with what he has. Also, as visual artists, it’s like, we often create problems to solve within our work. When I look at Bill Traylor’s work, I see a lot of problem-solving, and often, in many ways, it’s almost like he’s playing chess or checkers with himself and having a conversation. The one figure in the center reminds me of a storyteller, like a blues musician. But then it’s also, with this regal blue, you know that’s somebody you didn’t want to cross paths with, as well. There’s something about the power of it that jumps out.
Smithsonian American Art Museum
