John T. Riddle

John T. Riddle (1933-2002) was an iconic artist, art administrator and activist in Atlanta. Originally from Los Angeles, California. Riddle was part of a West Coast movement that merged fine art, Global Africana Aesthetics, and folk-art assemblage influences into a revolutionary critique of the colonial status quo in American and world culture. Skilled as a painter, printmaker and sculptor Riddle’s art can be distinguished by its vibrant colors and Pan African consciousness. As a teacher and art administrator in Atlanta, Riddle influenced generations of artists. Riddle was the last artist in residence selected for the Seagram’s Gin residency grant given to the Hammonds House Museum over a four-year period in the late 90’s. The work of art created during the residency was influenced by the architecture of a museum and African spiritual motifs. ( KS)