ROMARE BEARDEN: NEW YORK SCENES

This exhibition of Romare Bearden’s New York Scenes (1979)— twenty-three watercolors commissioned for the opening credits of the 1980 John Cassavetes’s film Gloria set primarily in the Bronx and upper Manhattan—is presented as part of the citywide Romare Bearden Homecoming Celebration, conceived of and organized by the Romare Bearden Foundation to honor Romare Bearden's memory, legacy and his artistic and intellectual achievements with citywide art, music, dance, educational and family programs and special events.

Bearden's New York Scenes were executed in a brief period of time by wandering around New York and using the fluid medium of watercolor to capture vibrant images of buildings, streetscapes, and skylines. Many of these watercolors reflect the ever-changing light and atmosphere of the skies above the city. Bearden's spontaneous technique paralleled the improvisational quality of the jazz music that had a profound influence on his art.

The Romare Bearden Homecoming Celebration honors the artistic and intellectual legacy of one of America’s preeminent artists with special events, art, music, dance, educational and fun family programs in every borough. On the occasion of the presentation of his touring retrospective exhibition, The Art of Romare Bearden, at the Whitney Museum of American Art (October 2004 – January 2005), over twenty cultural and educational institutions are offering exciting programs as a tribute and a joyous welcome home to New York for the artist. The Celebration runs for seven months—from September, the month of Bearden’s birth, to March, the month of his death.

Presented as part of the citywide Romare Bearden Homecoming Celebration, conceived of and organized by the Romare Bearden Foundation.  The Altria Group is the Lead Sponsor of the Celebration and Museums NY/Museums Traveler is the Cultural Media Sponsor. Major support for the Celebration provided by the Ford Foundation. Major Sponsor - Market Salamander.