Presenting over 60 works in a range of media on varied surfaces, “Somewhere to Roost” freely and broadly interprets the notion of home. The untitled image featured above, painted with oil on a board by the late Southern artist Clementine Hunter, depicts a funeral home. Several more images captured while visiting the intriguing exhibition at the American Folk Art Museum follow.
The late Jamaican artist and religious leader, Mallica Reynolds aka KAPO, “Roberta Flack,” 1970, Oil on canvas. At the time of this painting, Roberta Flack was the only Black person living at the Dakota, the Upper West Side building that was also home to John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
The late Alabama- born folk artist Mose Tolliver, “Untitled,” c. 1960’s Enamel on wood
The late prolific Southern artist Sam Doyle, “Untitled,” c. 1970’s, Enamel and house paint on metal door
Unknown artist, “String Quilt,” c. 1920-1940, Wool with cotton binding
The late Iowa-based farmhands Clarence Woolsey and Grace Woolsey, “Untitled,” c. 1961-1972, Pierced metal bottle caps, repurposed wood crate, paint, nails, wire and hinges
Folk artist Miguel “Mikie” Perez, “Camino Real,” 1985, Enamel on masonite panel
The late — now legendary — Alabama-born artist Thornton Dial, “Birds Got to Have Somewhere to Roost,” 2012, Wood, carpet scraps, corrugated tin, burlap, nails and enamel on wood
Curated by Brooke Wyatt and generously supported by the Henry Luce Foundation, “Somewhere to Roost” continues at the American Folk Art Museum through May 25, 2025. Located at 2 Lincoln Square (Columbus Avenue between 65th and 66th Streets), the American Folk Art Museum is open Wednesday–Sunday: 11:30 am–6:00 pm. Admission is always free.
Photos of artworks: Lois Stavsky
