Who Is Barkley Hendricks? Empire – Art, Paintings

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by

Jason John
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Barkley Hendricks was a painter whose work appeared on the Empire TV show.  Sadly, he passed away on April 18, 2017.  His oil painting, “Lawdy Mama” was featured in the second season of Empire.  Hendricks is best known for his life-sized paintings of Black people in empowered depictions.

Hendricks created bold paintings of Black people

The Black Power Movement gave African Americans confidence in the 1960s.  There weren’t many paintings that showed Blacks in positions of power.  Hendricks filled that void by creating paintings that celebrated Blacks.   Hendricks’ contributions helped make the Empire TV show possible.  He paved the way for today’s Black artists and entertainers.

Who Is Barkley Hendricks? Empire Art Paintings
Who Is Barkley Hendricks? Empire Art Paintings

The following GIF shows Lucious standing in front of “Lawdy Mama.”

Who Is Barkley Hendricks? Empire Art Paintings
Who Is Barkley Hendricks? Empire Art Paintings

Lee Daniels and Danny Strong have done a wonderful job creating a platform for Black painters.  Some of the most important Black artists of all time have work on the walls of Lucious’ mansion.  This work may not receive the attention it deserves without Empire.  The series continues to break down barriers and we’re loving every second of it.  Barkley Hendricks was a pioneer and we will never forget his contributions.

What do you think about Barkley Hendricks’ paintings appearing on the Empire TV show? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.