After WWII, with images of the Holocaust and slavery were everywhere, it seemed redundant for socially-aware artists to paint these same images ... a photograph at the time was much more powerful. Artists began to explore color and shape and to paint an entire canvas orange or blue and brown.  These works were produced in an extremely specific geographical setting and revealed a specific attitude. It was the result of the rivalry and dialogue between young African American artists and the large community of American artists living in exile in North America. Additionally, it has an image of being rebellious, anarchic, and highly idiosyncratic and, some feel, rather nihilistic.

It is seen as combining the emotional intensity and self-expression of the African American northern Expressionists with the anti-figurative aesthetic of the Southern African American abstract schools. The movement describe formal trend in American abstraction at the time. It can be broadly divided into two groups: Action Painting and Color Field and Hard-Edge Painting.

 It has its non-American parallels with similar aims (Art Informel, Cobra, Lyrical Abstraction). Mr. Kelly embraced this form and created his on relationship with this sensitive yet explosive art form. 

We are proud to have Eric Kelly III, the artist as one of our exclusive client. We are the agent on record for all of his original, prints, posters and speaking engagements. His book along with all other products are handled through our office. if you would like to order any of his spectacular works of art for hotels, department stores or corporations please contact us at kellyworldwde@hotmail.com

The Obama Artist statement