A man whose resume reads: former Air Force Test Pilot, America's first African American Astronaut Trainee, computer systems engineer, aviation consultant, restauranteur, real estate developer, and construction entrepreneur can best be described as a true "renaissance man". Ed Dwight has succeeded in all these areas. However, for the last twenty five years Ed has focused his direction on fine art and sculpture projects. Since his art career began in 1976, Dwight has become one of most prolific and insightful sculptors in America.
Dwight's first serious artistic endeavor began with a commission to create a sculpture of George Brown, Colorado's first Black Lt. Governor. This was soon followed by a second commission by the Colorado Centennial Commission; A series of bronzes entitled "Black Frontier Spirit in the American West" which depicted the contribution of African Americans to the opening of the West. Soon thereafter, Dwight began to explore the history of Jazz in America, as a significant Black contribution to the culture of America. This led to Ed's study of his next major series of bronzes, "Jazz: An American Art Form". This series of over 70 bronzes features many works focusing on the African tribal contributions, then presents such great jazz performers as Mile Davis, Charlie Parker, "Satchmo" Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Benny Goodman.
In 2001, Dwight was commissioned to complete several public art projects including four major monuments. Currently he is creating one of the largest memorials to date in the U.S., honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that will be installed in Denver, CO.
Today, Dwight has become one of the premier figurative artists in the world with works in private collections, institutions and major museums, including the Smithsonian Institution. Dwight is moving into new areas, still creating new concepts in art while continuing to enchant the public with his unique gift of story telling through his hands, as a sculptor.
Hearne Fine Art is pleased to celebrate our 20th anniversary with Ed Dwight. In 1990, we introduced his work to Little Rock recognizing his superior talent. Dwight has set the standard for excellence and it is only fitting he join us as we celebrate this momentous occasion. |