Local Seattle visual artist George Jennings’ latest collection of work “The Women, The Paper, and The Light” is a tribute to his Black family’s history and the importance of featuring Black women and Black girls in the arts. Using his blend of traditional and contemporary styles, Jennings, uses his work to push back on outdated narratives of who belongs in fine art with the collection featuring large-scale portraits, intentionally centering, celebrating, and honoring Black women and Black girls.  

This multilayered exhibit also serves as a continuation of George’s family’s visual art legacy, including two collages dedicated to displaying and honoring the work of his grandfather (and his first art teacher), the late, John N. Robinson.  Visitors will be able to experience the rich history of Black representation in fine art across generations.

Having recently expanded his art practice to include modern, digital tools, the screen is now his canvas and a digital pencil is his brush. 

Viewers of this work will go on a journey where dignity, beauty, and grace serve as not only a powerful counter-narrative but also as a vital part of Black history, Black presence, and Black future.

BIOGRAPHY

George Jennings, a fine art painter, is best known for his portraits of subjects who are not commonly centered in mainstream art with a focus on the diverse beauty of women. 

His grandfather, the late visual artist, John N. Robinson, was his first art instructor while George later attended and is now an alum of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts.  After his cross-country move to Washington State (in 1997), George, with the help of his wife/manager, has had an art career filled with group and solo exhibitions, various presentations, and guest art instructor opportunities throughout Greater Seattle.  George also produced a line of commercial products that have been sold in dozens of retail spaces throughout the country.

Initially, he created his paintings using oil and acrylic, then more recently he has transitioned to incorporating modern tools.  His canvas is now is screen, and his brush a digital pencil.