Samuel Louis Nicely (Tennessee, 1947-2015) mixed media collage on illustration board with painting, drawing, and found objects entitled African Totem Pole and depicting a predominantly blue, totemic figure with red eyes and open, red mouth. Buttons tied with string, printed elements including puzzle pieces and images from magazines or books, and a decorative metal fixture adorn the figure. Signed lower left. Floated under glass on black mounting with black mat and gray reveal in the original giltwood frame. Figure: 26 1/4″ H x 16 1/4″ W. Framed: 38″ H x 26 1/4″ W. Biographical note (from the Reece Museum, East Tennessee State University): “Samuel Louis Nicely was an artist and educator who embraced his cultural heritage as an African American man from Appalachia. Born in Russellville, Tennessee, he developed a love for the arts at an early age and went on to earn a B.S. in art education from Middle Tennessee State University and to study at The Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg. Nicely co-founded the From Africa to Appalachian Foundation and was the Artist in Residence at the Reece Museum in 2014.” His works are in the collections of the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center, Fisk University, Georgia State University, and the Reece Museum at East Tennessee State University.

CONDITION: Overall very good condition. Frame with minor abrasions and losses.