Page "Charles Alston" Paragraph 27

Art critic Emily Genauer stated that Alston " refused to be pigeonholed ", regarding his varied exploration in his artwork.

Patron Lemoine Pierce said of Alston's work: " Never thought of as an innovative artist, Alston generally ignored popular art trends and violated many mainstream art conventions ; he produced abstract and figurative paintings often simultaneously, refusing to be stylistically consistent, and during his 40-year career he worked prolifically and unapologetically in both commercial and fine art.

" Romare Bearden described Alston as "... one of the most versatile artists whose enormous skill led him to a diversity of styles ..." Bearden also describes the professionalism and impact that Alston had on Harlem and the African American community: "' was a consummate artist and a voice in the development of African American art who never doubted the excellence of all people's sensitivity and creative ability.

During his long professional career, Alston significantly enriched the cultural life of Harlem.

In a profound sense, he was a man who built bridges between Black artists in varying fields, and between other Americans.

" Writer June Jordan described Alston as " an American artist of first magnitude, and he is a Black American artist of undisturbed integrity.