SISTER GERTRUDE MORGAN

BORN
LIVES&WORKS
1900, LaFayette, USA
1980, New Orleans, USA

A street preacher who became an artist, poet, and musician, Sister Gertrude Morgan was driven throughout her life by visions of God. Her artistic talent was a means to express her religious fervour and illustrate her teachings. Self-taught, Morgan created works of art moved by the Spirit: “Through his blessed hands as he takes my hand and writes.” Using recycled materials such as cardboard, window curtains, wood, signs she created her illustrated sermons, mixing acrylics, poster paint, watercolours, wax crayons, and ballpoint pen.

SIGNS

  • Smithsonian American Art Museum, permanent collection
  • Tools of Her Ministry: The Art of Sister Gertrude Morgan, American Folk Art Museum, New York, USA, 2004
  • Black Folk Art in America, 1930-1980, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, USA, 1982
MAGAZINE
The Bag 2022