Biography

The span of John Biggers' life encompasses some of the most tumultuous events in America's history: the Great Depression, World War II, and the Civil Rights Movement.  Through it all, John Biggers sought to define a personal artistic style based upon a deep reverence for the blend of African and American cultures with which he lived. 

Early Life

John Thomas Biggers was born in the small town of Gastonia, North Carolina in 1924.  His father, Paul, died when John was in his early teens and John, the youngest child, helped his mother, Cora, with the laundry she took in to support her family.  Images of washpots and cleansing water would become important symbols in John Biggers' artwork in later years.

Education

John's education played an important role in his decision to become an artist.  As a student at Hampton University, John was deeply influenced by the ideas of Viktor Lowenfeld.  Rather than teaching from the traditional Eurocentric perspective, Lowenfeld encouraged his students to explore the imagery of their own cultures.  By placing value in the legends, art, and music of Africa, Lowenfeld opened the doors to a previously hidden treasure of symbols and culture which would become increasingly visible in John Biggers' works as he refined his artistic style.

Career

Upon graduation, John Biggers was invited to help build the art department at Texas Southern University.  True to his own educational background, John Biggers encouraged his students to paint what they experienced in their lives; to develop a style that would help them to express their personal understanding of life, culture, and history.  Biggers own works from this time period demonstrate this philosophy.  The Contribution of Negro Women to American Life and Education and The History of the International Longshoremen's Union, Local 872 illustrate Dr. Biggers own dedication to painting the reality of his world.

Africa

In 1957, John Biggers was awarded a UNESCO grant to fund a six-month expedition to Africa to study its unique art and culture.  Dr. Biggers was profoundly influenced by this experience.  The rhythms, legends, history, and cultural traditions of Africa began to appear in his murals soon after and their impact would continue to grow stronger throughout the rest of his artistic career.

Houston

Dr. Biggers returned to Houston in 1958.  He continued to paint fantastic murals illustrating the strength and breadth of African-American culture until his death in 2001.  Because Houston was his home and primary workshop during these years, our city has been gifted with an outstanding legacy of art which should be shared.  The John Biggers Murals project is our attempt to pay homage to the life and work of this extraordinary artist and to share, at least in part, the beauty of his work with others.

The John Biggers Murals Group
Houston, Texas
2003