Al Loving
— Al Loving —
Al Loving Jr. (1935–2005) was an influential African American abstract artist known for his innovative use of color, form, and materials. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Loving earned his MFA from the University of Michigan in 1965 and quickly became one of the few Black artists recognized within the mainstream abstract art movement of the late 20th century.
Initially working in hard-edged geometric abstraction, Loving gained national attention when he became the first African American artist to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 1969. In the 1970s, he moved away from traditional canvas painting and began experimenting with fabric constructions, creating bold, quilt-like works from torn and dyed canvas. These vibrant, dimensional pieces were rooted in both modernist aesthetics and African American textile traditions.
Later in his career, Loving continued to push boundaries with collaged paper works and mixed media compositions, all while maintaining a deep commitment to abstraction and personal expression. His work explored ideas of space, rhythm, and cultural identity, and he remains celebrated for expanding the possibilities of abstract art.
