Bill Traylor

Bill Traylor (circa 1854-1949) was an extraordinary self -taught American artist whose work has captivated audiences and scholars with its raw, poignant storytelling and unique visual style. Born into slavery in Benton, Alabama, Traylor began his life as an artist later in his years, after moving to Montgomery, Alabama, where he lived and worked for much of his life. Traylor’s art is distinguished by its graphic simplicity and narrative depth, depicting captivating scenes of everyday life, animals, and figures in silhouette and bold colors. These works provide a candid glimpse into African American life in the rural and urban South during the early 20th century. Despite having little to no formal training, Traylor’s intuitive compositions and distinctive style have earned him recognition as one of the most important self-taught artists in American history. (HT)