Shop the CEA ELITE ART (CEA) Collection
DEAD UNKNOWN ARTISTS UNIQUE DOWNLOADABLE PRINT ART
1. The hominids are believed to have created stunning paintings in caves on or before 20,000 years ago, marking some of the earliest expressions of human creativity.
2. For various reasons that are not crucial to this discussion, the hominids tragically became extinct over time.
3. A prevailing theory suggests that Homo sapiens ultimately conquered and outlasted the hominids, leading to their disappearance.
4. With the extinction of the hominids, they inadvertently became recognized as the first unknown dead artists in history.
5. Typically, people from the conquering society—predominantly men hailing from affluent families or those benefitting from the influence of wealthy patrons—emerged as well-known painters.
6. Throughout history, the wealthy Europeans successfully conquered vast portions of the world, significantly impacting cultures and artistic traditions.
7. Often, the conquerors limited the education, artistic pursuits, and literacy of those they conquered. Yet, even in the face of such oppression, some individuals took it upon themselves to paint without any monetary assistance, sharing their artistic expressions with others through the time-honored tradition of oral histories.
8. Patrons played a crucial role in supporting painters both before the medieval period and during, as well as after the Renaissance, greatly influencing the art world.
9. Unfortunately, it was predominantly wealthy patrons who favored and supported White Male painters, sidelining many other talented artists.
10. There were instances where wealthy families provided assistance to their relatives with disabilities and women, such as the notable painter Henri Lautrec, who was known for his remarkable talent despite facing significant challenges.
11. Unknown artists sometimes managed to leave behind oral histories that were told and retold across generations, preserving their legacies in the cultural fabric of society.
12. The Dawkins family notably owned slaves and included several relatives named Charles Dawkins, with a mix of racial backgrounds. One Charles Dawkins stands out as an unknown artist who contributed valuable oral histories regarding his unique painting methods.
13. The Bessette family is recognized as a wealthy New England clan with a long history of influence in the region.
14. The author of this writing vividly recalls meeting Barbara Bessette when he was just seven years old. Although he cannot confirm whether she was directly related to the Bessette family, he distinctly remembers that she had a manner of speaking and behaving that suggested a life of affluence. Barbara committed to tutoring the author daily for ten formative years.
15. Richard Lee, known by the alias Richard Burney, was the author’s roommate for a decade, forming a close bond during that time.
16. Both Bessette and Burney passed away as unknown artists, each grappling with disabilities. Nevertheless, they generously shared their oral histories, enriching the writer's understanding and appreciation of art.
17. Before 1970, Willie Rozier relied on a wheelchair due to circumstances that remain unclear. During the entire decade of the 1970s, he resided primarily in a hospital located in New Britain. It was during these years that Willie became a cherished figure among the local children; whenever they passed by his room, he would take the time to engage them in conversations about the Lord and his love for spirituality. He devoted an impressive five hours each day to studying the Bible, immersing himself in its teachings. The hospital boasted an old piano situated in the classroom, and Willie frequently made his way there to play beautiful melodies. His passion for music was matched only by his love for drawing. Though he faced socioeconomic challenges as a talented and intelligent black man, Willie’s spirit was unbreakable. This artwork pays homage to him and his extraordinary life. Willie was well-known for his infectious happiness and warm smile that uplifted everyone around him. He conducted Bible study sessions, sharing his knowledge and faith, yet he never lived outside the confines of the hospital. Tragically, he passed away in the same hospital that had been his home for so long. Remarkably, few people were aware of his immense talents as an artist and musician, nor did they fully understand the beauty of his wonderful voice.
18. One of our company’s central missions is to resurrect the forgotten beauty and significance of the art created by unknown dead artists, giving their legacy a chance to shine once more.