SOURCES OF LIGHT
Donovan Nelson: Portraits
November 16, 2022 to January 7, 2023

Press Release

Reception

SOURCES OF LIGHT
Donovan Nelson: Portrait

From November 16 to December 31, 2022, the Wilmer Jennings Gallery at Kenkeleba is pleased to present SOURCES OF LIGHT, an exhibition of paintings by Donovan Nelson. The exhibit consists of more than 30 portraits, including images of well-known painters, Benny Andrews, Sam Gilliam, Norman Lewis, and Frank Wimberley. Portraits of art students whom Nelson has taught are also presented. The paintings exemplify the exhibition title, as artists are sources of light, and Nelson has infused his paintings with reflected light. A sterling example is his portrayal of accomplished sculptor, Otto Neals, who stands in his studio, working; and clearly visible, both his stately presence and deep spirituality.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Donovan Nelson’s family moved to the US, to Pennsylvania in 1981. In Philadelphia, he developed a love for art; his early drawings were of historical Black figures, such as Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Marcus Garvey. He was inspired by their courage and sacrifices, and determined that he would “honor them and have people learn about them.”

 His fascination with portraiture continued to develop as he learned about painters, like Henry O. Tanner, John Singer Sargent, and Everett Kintsler.  “I dreamed of one day being like them, wondering if it would be possible.” In 1995, Nelson received a BFA in illustration from the University of the Arts. He studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. He moved to New York City and in 1996 received an MFA from the New York Academy of Art. In 2001, he enrolled in evening portrait classes at The Art Students League, where he says he learned to create form and how to use color. “This experience had a major impact on how my paintings look, especially in terms of color.”

 Soon, he began receiving portrait commissions, mostly due to the enthusiasm and support of Mrs. Grace Ingleton, whom he met in 2000, and whose wonderful portrait is included in this exhibit. A true patron of the arts, Mrs. Ingleton was singlehandedly responsible for coordinating portrait commissions for Donovan Nelson of both private citizens and public figures. Over the years, these would include politicians, pastors, and subjects from the art community. 

 For SOURCES OF LIGHT, Donovan Nelson has painted a circle of friends, of art activists and artists of his Brooklyn community, and he created images of notable artists whose work he admires. It has been said that Nelson’s portraits extend beyond literal representation to capture a rare quality -- the soul of his subjects. His figures appear in straightforward, direct posture without affectation, and generally in a frontal position, directly facing the viewer. Nelson surrounds his subjects with luminous color and intense light, and so, he reveals the inner essence of his portraits, as he engages the attention of the viewer.

 Donovan Nelson’s paintings are in the collections of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Brooklyn Borough Hall, Medgar Evers College, New York City Housing Authority, the New York State Capitol, the Valentine Museum of Art, and many private collections.

 Kenkeleba programs are funded, in part, by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council, the Mosaic Fund and many generous friends.

Installation Photography : Christian Carone
Image Photography : Laylah Garcia
Reception Photos : Rodríguez Calero