Joseph Lofton, 1923 - 2018
Joseph Lofton was a native of Florida who lived in New York City where he studied at the Art Students’ League and the School of Visual Arts. He has this to say about his work:
“My approach is contemporary and consists of a variety of subjects ranging from landscapes to still lifes and figures. My medium is acrylic collage. My execution is flat and frontal and falls somewhere in the middle ground between objective and non-objective concerns.
It is not my mission to emulate realistic images, but rather to use objects as a point of reference in creating a composition of forceful forms and colors.”
Lofton’s early work was influenced by the abstract expressionist movement in the 1950s and ‘60s in New York City. While different groups of works represent different periods of his life, there is a definite style and composition that connects all of his paintings. His work was defined by drawing subjects in a flat, frontal manner and the use of brilliant color and bold, angular strokes. This style became one of his trademarks, and he developed it in his own particular way.
Music and rhythm were also been a constant part of Lofton’s work, influenced by his love of jazz. His works were influenced by the environment and the era in which they were created. Lofton said, “The artist must inevitably reflect his time…this is my time”; it is a time which spanned seven decades. Lofton’s work over his last decade includes more subject matter depicting war, religious intolerance, and inequality. Lofton worked on pieces using a technique he called “Linea Collage.” This technique included the use of narrow pieces of painted collage to outline his sketch and the entire work was then painted. Particular attention was paid to the details of the outlines.
Lofton relocated to Cuernavaca, MX where, as an ex-pat, he studied African and Mexican Art, in a continual search to identify the resemblance between both. He continued to paint and exhibit until he transitioned in 2018 after 95 years of life and art. Joseph lived for art and for color. He frequently said, “Color is my third dimension.”
Your appreciation of his work kept him going. We know his legacy will continue to impact generations to come.
Thank you for your support.
Since 2014 JNL Fine Arts has been committed to preserving the art of Joseph Lofton and sharing the vibrant, bold & colorful reflections of this African-American artist throughout his life. We are located in New York and exhibit, sell and consign works. Come visit the Joseph Lofton webpage with more reviews and even more art. There is also a Spanish version, and a number of social media apps.
Heather Lewis, Manager
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Diario de Morelos: Color y vitalidad en la obra de Joseph Lofton