Lot 503: Sammie Nicely Mixed Media Collage Cutout in Red & Yellow, African Totem Pole

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 red, yellow, and green totemic figure with outstretched, black hands. 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 center. With 1992 Artstravaganza, Hunter Museum of American Art, Chattanooga, TN label in information pocket affixed to backing. Floated under glass on black mounting with black mat and gray reveal in the original giltwood frame. Figure: 24" H x 15 1/2" W. Framed: 33 3/4" H x 24 1/4" W. Biographical note: "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." (Source: Reece Museum, East Tennessee State University) 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.