This gallery explores the work of celebrated artist Michael Cummings. Read more about Michael in this SAQA Journal article by Cindy Grisdela.
Sandra Sider, editor of Art Quilt Quarterly, notes the following:
"The extraordinary art quilts of Michael Cummings first came to my attention in Roland Freeman’s 1996 book on African-American quilters, A Communion of the Spirits. I was familiar with the work of Faith Ringgold and a few other African-American makers, but knew of no African-American men who were creating quilts as fine art. Michael generously invited me into his NYC home studio to learn more about his art and career, and that is where his amazing talent and wide-ranging interests made a lasting impression.
Referencing the highly decorative nature of many African textiles, Michael celebrated several aspects of Afrocentric culture in his early quilts, including Egungun costuming and Haitian folklore. His African Jazz series in both subject and design captures the essence of that African-based music popularized internationally. Michael’s most recent work dwells on heroic interpretations of political and literary icons, such as Shirley Chisholm, Barack Obama, and James Baldwin.
Throughout his career as a quilt artist, Michael has remained true to his roots, exploring various aspects of what it means to be a Black artist in this country."
