32
●
JOHN T. RIDDLE, JR. (1934 - 2002)
Mother and Child
.
Glazed fired clay, mounted on a wood base, circa 1960-65. Approximately 267x140 mm; 10
1
/
2
x5
1
/
2
inches, (not including the base.)
Provenance: acquired directly from the artist; private collection; thence by descent to the current owner.
This figurative artwork is an early sculpture by artist, educator and art administrator John T. Riddle,
Jr. Born and educated in Los Angeles, Riddle’s work after 1965 became increasingly invested in
assemblage, especially sculpture made from the discarded and charred remains found after theWatts
rebellion. Greatly inspired by Noah Purifoy, Riddle’s approach was a direct way of both addressing
his community and developing an abstract aesthetic. Riddle taught art at Los Angeles High School
and Beverly Hills High School before moving to Atlanta in 1974, where he taught at Spelman
College. Riddle returned to Los Angeles in 1999 to the position of Program Manager ofVisual Arts
for the California African American Museum. Several of his assemblage sculptures were featured in
the traveling museum exhibition
Now Dig This! Art & Black Los Angeles 1960-1980
.
[3,000/5,000]
