Archives of American Art

J. B. Murray drawings

Summary

Collection ID:
AAA.murrj
Creators:
Murry, J. B. (John B.), 1908-1988
Dates:
1985
Languages:
English
.
Physical Description:
2 Items
(on partial microfilm reel)
Repository:

Scope and Contents

Scope and Contents
Two ballpoint pen and felt-tip pen drawings by J. B. Murray.

Biographical / Historical

Biographical / Historical
Visionary artist from Athens, Georgia. Birthdate also cited as 1907. Also known as J.B. Murry. Raised in rural central Georgia. Untrained as an artist, he began drawing and painting when a dislocated hip forced him to retire from farming. Although unable to read and write in English, he developed his own codified use of colors and improvised script, called "spirit script," which he incorporated in his paintings as a visual element and which only he could translate. His work has been included in several Southern exhibitions of Black isolated artists.

Administration

Existence and Location of Copies
35mm microfilm reel 3667 available at Archives of American Art offices and through interlibrary loan.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated 1985 by J. B. Murray.

Using the Collection

Conditions Governing Access
Use of original papers requires an appointment and is limited to the Archives' Washington, D.C., Research Center. Microfilmed materials must be consulted on microfilm. Contact Reference Services for more information.

Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Drawings Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Painters -- Georgia Occupation Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Artists with disabilities Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Archives of American Art
750 9th Street, NW
Victor Building, Suite 2200
Washington, D.C. 20001
Business Number: Phone: 202-633-7950
https://www.aaa.si.edu/services/questions