Sister Gertrude Morgan

Place: Lafayette

Born: 1900

Death: 1980

Biography:

Sister Gertrude Morgan was a self-taught African-American artist, musician, poet, and preacher. Born in LaFayette, Alabama, she relocated to New Orleans in 1939, where she lived and worked until her death in 1980. Sister Morgan achieved critical acclaim during her lifetime for her folk art paintings.

Early Life and Career

Sister Morgan was born Gertrude Williams in Lafayette, Alabama, to a poor rural family. She left school before completing the third grade and worked as a servant and nursemaid in a private home. In 1928, she married Will Morgan, but it is not known if they were divorced or separated when she left Columbus, Georgia, for New Orleans.

Call to Religion

Sister Morgan's first documented involvement with religion came in her late teens, when she joined the Rose Hill Memorial Baptist Church, a local congregation in Columbus, Georgia. After she began painting in 1956, Sister Morgan documented this time in her life in the paintings THE ROSE HILL MEMORiAL BAPTiST CHURCH, Columbus Ga. and Rose Hill Memorial Baptist Church. These paintings narrate the shifts in the Rose Hill church leadership.

Artistic Style and Recognition

Sister Morgan's artwork is characterized by its vibrant colors and spiritual themes. Her paintings often depicted biblical scenes, angels, and other religious figures. Folk art was a significant part of her style, which was recognized by many art critics and collectors. Sister Morgan's work has been included in many groundbreaking exhibitions of visionary and folk art from the 1970s onwards. Some notable works by Sister Morgan can be found at the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Her artwork is also featured on Wikioo.org, where you can find more information about her life and work.

Legacy

Sister Gertrude Morgan's legacy extends beyond her artwork. She was a pioneer for African-American artists, and her contributions to the art world have been recognized by many. You can learn more about Sister Morgan's life and work on Wikipedia.

• Sister Gertrude Morgan was a self-taught African-American artist, musician, poet, and preacher.
• Her artwork is characterized by its vibrant colors and spiritual themes.
• Sister Morgan's work has been included in many groundbreaking exhibitions of visionary and folk art from the 1970s onwards.

Sister Gertrude Morgan's life and work are a testament to her creativity and determination. Her artwork continues to inspire artists and art lovers alike, and her legacy will be remembered for generations to come.