“Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” MLK, Strength to Love, 1963.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, owns 20 incredible and deliberate states from John Wilson’s monumental etching of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The final state was printed in an edition of 50 in 2002 and was based on a smaller Wilson drawing of Dr. King, a 1985 preparatory study for a bronze statue installed in the Rotunda of the US Capital in 1986.
Wilson created other portraits of Dr. King including a monumental 8 ft’ tall bronze commission that was installed in Buffalo’s Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Its maquette went to the Butler Institute of American Art.
Note to GMG readers: To make the etchings on view at the MFA, Wilson collaborated with master printer and artist, Jim Stroud. Stroud is the founder and owner of Center Street Studio, named for its address in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Center Street Studio opened and operated from 1 Center Street from 1984 to 1986 before moving to Boston.
– Catherine Ryan, 2017.
John Wilson (1922-2015) eminent and kind American artist and teacher was adept in any media and expression. His talent and life and legacy of activism was a good fit for a King tribute.
images
- John Wilson, Roz, dynamite 1972 pastel
- John Wilson indelible 1945 litho, Streetcar Scene, the laborer commuting to Boston Navy Yard meets our gaze
Good Morning Gloucester 