Richard Haynes Sr

Richard Haynes Sr. has described himself as an “American visual storyteller, a cultural keeper and maker,” and “an African American looking for a better way.” He is known for his paintings about black history, through which he communicates his advocacy for social justice. His signature style combines semi-abstract and figurative elements, which are characterized by flat, simplified forms and bold colors. The images are based in equal parts on Haynes’s own memories, historical periods, and cultural moments, including references to the Underground Railroad, early jazz, and agrarian culture. He also produces photographs and drawings using oil or wax-based crayons.