On May 21st, 2024, one day after my 42nd birday, I had the opportunity to meet and converse with Tschabalala Self at the American Federation of Arts 2024 Spring Luncheon. Our conversation was insightful and educational. During our discussion, I told her about my Black Male Artist Professor series. She then introduced me to Robert Reed, who was a Black male artist and professor at Yale School of Art. He was the only Black tenured professor there until 2014. She also encouraged me to include Mr. Reed in this series. Following her advice, I began researching Robert Reed and started painting the next day.
According to pilarcorrias.com, Robert Reed taught at Yale School of Art from 1969 until his death in 2014 and had a profound influence on future generations of emerging artists, including Stanley Whitney, Tala Madani, Rachel Rose and Tschabalala Self. I have learned much more about Robert Reed and have incorporated some of my findings symbolically in this portrait that I am painting of him.