An homage to jazz pianist Mary Lou Williams, “Piano Lesson” was created by African-American collage artist Romare Bearden. This piece, which was inspired by Matisse, incorporates 18 colors, lace embroidery, fabric, and a miniature page from a real music score. Bearden’s vivid glimpses into everyday life brilliantly melded simple, poetic themes with abstraction and extreme stylization. He spent his formative years in Pittsburgh and New York, enthralled by Harlem’s dynamic jazz scene. Bearden (1911 – 1988) is regarded as one of the 20th century’s most original and creative artists.

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