The Boy Who Painted Africa

Discover the inspiring story of renown African American artist John T. Biggers and learn how his art changed the world. "The boy who painted Africa" is a historical fiction picture book that beautifully depicts the life and art of Black painter, sculptor and muralist John T. Biggers through the lens of children. Through the story of John Biggers children learn about the struggle as well as the fulfillment that comes along with following their dreams. Young readers moreover gain a positive depiction of Africa in art and art history through this book. John Biggers was the first African American artist to paint West Africa and bring back positive images of Africa in the 1960s thus encouraging the American people, particularly civil rights leaders through his art. Biggers' art work is ground breaking in its depiction of the African American struggle and the beauty and strength inherent in women. Born in North Carolina in 1924, John Biggers is an African-American painter, printmaker and sculptor best-known for his social realistic narratives and humanistic depictions of African culture and heritage, often displayed in the form of public murals. His art can be seen in renown exhibitions and museums.