Ernie Barnes, Jr., (American, 1938-2009), The Graduate, 1972, oil/canvas, signed, 14" x 18", Provenance: Gwen Gordy (Fuqua) of Motown fame bought the painting directly from the artist. Gwen Gordy Fuqua (1927-1999) was a legendary businesswoman, songwriter and composer, and the sister of Berry Gordy. She wrote hit songs, like "Lonely Teardrops", "All I Could Do Was Cry", and "Distant Lover". She was a highly successful manger and record producer. The Graduate hung in her mansion in Beverly Hills, CA Exhibitions: The Beauty of the Ghetto, various venues. Barnes created this exhibit, which included 35 paintings, and lasted from 1972-1979, hosted by celebrities, athletes, and dignitaries Catalogue Note: This work is housed in its original distressed wood frame. Barnes visited his parents in 1966, shortly before his first solo exhibition. His father had recently had a stroke and the usually well-maintained yard of his parents had fallen into disrepair. After inspecting the well-worn picket fence, he placed one of his recent works against it, and realized how much he liked the contrast of the old and new. He used the wood from the fence as frame molding for his New York show. Barnes commented, "In tribute...Daddy's fence would hug all my paintings..That would have made him smile."

overall good condition.