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Landscapes and Basketball Courts

Barkley Hendricks, celebrated for his life-sized oil portraits that revolutionized the depiction of Black Americans, also explored other genres with his artistic talent, notably landscapes and basketball courts. While portraits might be his signature, these other subjects showcase Hendricks' versatility and keen observational skills.


In his exploration of landscapes, Hendricks brought the same keen eye and stylistic flair that characterized his portraiture. His landscape paintings, such as "YS Falls #3" (2000), "My Back to the Bulldozer" (2008), and "Pon de Rock (East View)" (2007), display his ability to capture the beauty and serenity of nature with a profound sense of calm and introspection. These works, while not as widely recognized as his portraits, further demonstrate Hendricks' mastery over the medium and his capacity to convey complex moods and atmospheres through his art​ (Barkley L. Hendricks)​.


Basketball, a seemingly unexpected subject matter for Hendricks, was another area where his artistic ingenuity shone. His Basketball series, including works like "Father, Son, and..." (1969), "Formula 1" (circa 1967-69), and "I Want to Take You Higher" (1970), encapsulates the essence of the game through a minimalist yet potent depiction of its core elements: hoops, nets, backboards, and basketballs themselves. These pieces illustrate Hendricks' ability to abstract and stylize familiar scenes and objects, transforming them into compelling studies of form, color, and movement. His work in this series not only celebrates the sport but also elevates it to a subject worthy of artistic inquiry, highlighting the elegance and dynamism inherent in basketball​ (Barkley L. Hendricks)​.


Hendricks' foray into these genres underscores his broad artistic vision and his capacity to find beauty and significance in a wide array of subjects. Whether capturing the grandeur of a landscape or the kinetic energy of a basketball court, Hendricks applied the same rigorous attention to composition, color, and form that made his portraits so powerful and enduring. Through these works, Hendricks invites viewers to appreciate the diverse ways in which art can encapsulate the world around us, from the majesty of natural scenery to the vibrant culture of sports.