William Anderson Jr.: An Underappreciated Artist

During my time as an intern for the curatorial department of African American art at the Georgia Museum of Art, I had the opportunity to perform multiple duties. These duties ranged from general curatorial administration work (such as proofing exhibition checklists) to performing extensive research and writings about various African American artists in the collection. Some of this research was for works that were under consideration for being accessioned into the museum’s collection. Other research was for various exhibitions and displays in support of the curator, both virtual and in-person.

One exhibition that unfortunately did not come to pass was on the late photographer William Anderson Jr. The museum had some of Anderson’s photographs on loan from collectors Larry D. and Brenda A. Thompson, possibly to become the subject of an exhibition. Due to the pandemic, a digital presentation seemed more appropriate. As part of my internship, I was tasked with researching the late artist and then creating an artist highlight video about him.

I thoroughly loved creating this project because I feel like it really aided me in fostering my research skills. For example, through the creation of this video, I learned how to use my resources to find information. The Internet is always a common research tool for students today, but many neglect sources such as newspaper articles and even interviews. To find thorough details about the artist, I found myself consulting sources such as the Selma Times-Journal and the Hartford Courant. I also looked at related magazine articles, as well as galleries that have displayed his work in the past. I discovered so much about a talented photographer who, in my opinion, didn’t receive the recognition he deserved.

Born in the racially divided Deep South, Anderson experienced and witnessed a multitude of racially motivated inequalities, and it was this personal experience that fueled the subject of his infamous professional photography career. Many are unaware that Anderson was also a highly prolific printmaker, painter and sculptor as well as a photographer. Sculpture is actually where Anderson got his start, but he decided to continue his career in photography because he believed the medium to be better suited to spread his messages. Throughout the course of his career, Anderson made it a priority to highlight injustice and poverty in various communities around the country.

One of my favorite works by Anderson is entitled “The Struggle Goes On,” and it depicts Coretta Scott King and John Lewis crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. Even though many of Anderson’s works were created in the 1960s and 1970s, they remain relevant today and highlight his lasting impact as an artist. Anderson died in July 2019, but his legacy continues as many of his works can be found in major galleries around the world. Through the creation of this artist highlight, I also hope to continue his legacy by exposing this extraordinary photographer to an audience who may be unfamiliar with his work.

William Anderson Jr.: An Underappreciated Artist from Georgia Museum of Art on Vimeo.

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