![](https://artbreakout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Purvis-Young-mixed-media-on-wood-1.jpg)
The late self-taught artist Purvis Young began creating art in his largely African-American Miami neighborhood of Overtown in the 1960’s. Working with discarded materials he found on the streets and in abandoned buildings, he forged a riveting, seductive array of mixed-media works reflecting his particular sensibility and his community’s circumstances.
Currently on view at James Fuentes Gallery on the Lower East Side is a selection of artworks — fusing the spiritual and political, while suggesting yearning, struggle, prayer and acceptance.
In the untitled mixed-media work featured above the floating eyes likely represent the artist’s — and perhaps the world’s — guardians. Several more images on exhibit at James Fuentes Gallery follow:
Untitled, 1974, Oil on wood
![](https://artbreakout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Purvis-young-art.jpeg)
Untitled, 1973, Paint on wood
![](https://artbreakout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Purvis-Young-paint-on-wood.jpg)
Untitled, 1989, House paint on plywood
![](https://artbreakout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Purvis-Young-house-paing-on-plywood-513x1024.jpg)
Untitled, 1992, Acrylic and house paint on wood
![](https://artbreakout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Purvis-Young-upcycled-wood.jpg)
Untitled, 1974, Paint on wood
![](https://artbreakout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Purvis-Young-landscape.jpg)
The exhibition continues at James Fuentes Gallery, 55 Delancey Street , through December 6. It is open Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–6pm.
Photos of images: Lois Stavsky