Al Allen (American/Arkansas, 1925-2008), "Winter Waiting," mixed media abstract painting (acrylic on canvas and wood with metal construction). Comprised of one panel with black, white, purple, and pink geometric shapes, separated by one vertical panel of rusted metal from three vertical panels of solid blue paint, wood, and solid black paint. Signed and dated "Al Allen 72" top left. Additionally signed and titled en verso with label for Mid-South Exhibition of Paintings 1973, Brooks Memorial Art Gallery, Overton Park, Memphis, Tennessee. Housed in a plain narrow wooden frame. Sight – 46 1/4" H x 46 1/2" W. Framed – 47 7/8" H x 48" W. Provenance: Deaccessioned from the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. Biography: Al Allen aka Alvin Lee (Al) Allen Jr. was raised in Memphis; after graduation from Central High School in 1944, he served in the Navy during World War II, using his artistic skills in the top-secret Terrain Model Workshop. In 1946, Allen enrolled in Louisiana State University (LSU). Among his teachers were O. Louis Guglielmi and Ralston Crawford. Completing his undergraduate studies in 1950, Allen returned to Memphis to teach at Treadwell High School. Meanwhile, he pursued an MA degree at LSU. The next year, he joined the faculty of Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. In 1968, Allen was invited to chair and develop the art department at the University of Arkansas Little Rock. In 1985, he was given the title of Professor and University Artist-in-Residence. Allen's works are in a number of collections belonging to museums, colleges and universities, and private individuals, including the Arkansas Arts Center, the High Museum (Atlanta), and the Joslin Art Museum (Omaha). UALR has several works in its permanent collection. Both former U.S. senators Dale Bumpers and David Pryor displayed AllenÕs works in their Washington DC offices, and during Bill Clinton's presidency, two of AllenÕs works were hung in the White House. (Source: Encyclopedia of Arkansas). Note: the first annual Mid-South Exhibition was held at the Brooks in 1956, a tradition that continued for the next 17 years and included purchase prizes to help bring regional art into the collection. Jurors included artists such as Wil Barnet and Jack Levine as well as museum directors from institutions such as Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and The Walker Art Center. CONDITION: Overall very good condition.