The Tallahasee artist Leon Hicks looks back at the Life With series

Have you ever wanted to sit down with great -grandfather and ask him about the past? What was it then? What did his hometown look like and feel?

And wouldn’t it be wonderful if this grandfather was not just a charming and kind presence, but also a “native” teacher – even an artist?

Proof of such a person is obviously at the moment in the Venti Art Gallery, where four series of etchings and graphite drawings of the famous artist, teacher and engraver, Leon Hicks are displayed. There will be art reception from 5-8 pm Friday, April 5.

Hicks, teaches at the University of Webster, the University of Webster, Concord University and has pieces in the permanent collections of many public and private institutions, including the University of Florida, the University of Atlanta, the Tuscgi Institute and the Congress Library.

From March 1, April 28, the works of the 91-year-old artist will present their impressions of their childhood in “Drawings in Time”. Here, every series, “American Boy,” “Emptive Capers,” “My Hometown” and “Without Sketches,” invites the viewer to present different aspects and times in Hicks’ life.

In “My family, they impressed the young African -American boy, reminding him of the” perseverance and height “of the United States … Despite the fact that there are still wagons and horses on the street.

Instead of making completely realistic views of the buildings, in this series of Hicks’ works are what can be called “synthetic cubism”, since the layers of construction sketches are put on each other, giving the impression of collage.

Rachel Smith, manager of Venti’s Art Gallery, tells that in discussions with the hicks he told her that although he did not do etchings, he still creates themed series using his own patented monoprin method. “Emblematic capers” is an example. Here he painted on Mylar paper, burned it with a graphic rod marker and Elmer glue, and transferred the images of hyper-thin Thai Unryu paper. Transparent fibrous threads add another dimension.

Most people are familiar with the iconic etching created in 1961 by Leon Hicks, entitled “Black Boy.” Now, in his 2023 series, “American Boy” in the Veni Gallery, Smith is considering if we see a kind of “predecessor” of the black boy in the expressive poses and movements of the figures. She says he feels he was born a “American boy” before something else or another title is given. “

Smith notes that “not many Hicks are as lively and energetic as he is when he talks about his works. The passion he has for the topic is obvious. “Smith says that” he may have withdrawn from teaching about 20 years ago, but he is still a heart teacher. “

If you go

What: Art Exhibition: “Drawings Through Time” by Leon Hicks

When: Reception of art from 5:00 pm April 5; The exhibit lasts until April 28. Hours: Cf. Sun. 12: 30-5: 30 h

Where: VENVI Art Gallery, 2901 E. Park, Suite 2800, 850-322-0968; Visit venviartgallery.com

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee artist Leon Hicks looks at life in “Drawings over time”