Americus Long African American Modernist Artist , Oil on masonite by Americus Long; dated 1957 on verso; abstract; 22 x 14. This piece came from the estate of the artist.The following biography was researched, compiled, and written by Jeff Gold of J. Gold Fine Art and Geoffrey K. Fleming, Director, Southold Historical Society, Southold, NY.Americus T. Long (February 8, 1913 - February 1993)African-American abstract painter. Long was born in Lenoir County, North Carolina, the son of William A. Long & Julia Hadley. There is some indication that while Long's mother was African-American, his father, William, may have been white. It appears that his mother moved from North Carolina up to Hempstead, Long Island, New York when he was just a child. Long lived on Putnam Avenue in the borough of Brooklyn, Long Island, New York, for much of his adult life.During his youth he was associated with the Harlem Quarterly, an early African-American journal/magazine published in Harlem, New York (1949-1950). Regular contributors to this short-lived publication included Arnold Kramer, Langston Hughes, and Benjamin Brown. Americus T. Long apparently served on the board of the Quarterly, but it is unknown in what capacity. His paintings, which were created in various styles, have titles such as Dreams of an Alcoholic and Addiction. Long drew inspiration from nature and biology, but also painted in a cubist style reminiscent of both American and French Modernism. In addition to abstracts, he also painted at least one portrait. Many of his known works are marked in such away that indicates he was exhibiting them and offering them for sale on a regular basis, but it is not known where. No records have been found linking him to specific gallery or art fair in the New York City area.Americus T. Long died in Brooklyn in February of 1993, his burial location is currently unknown. None of his works are known to be in public collections, though a small group do reside in private hands.

22 x 14 in

5 lb