“Past Physical” Symbolism and Figures Form the Artists Subconscious 1970s by Ralph Thompson

A dark yet vibrant and expertly executed painting full of personal symbolism concepts to numerous to cover in a few sentences, by Ralph Thompson (aka Akili Nali) (American, B-circa 1947) Symbolism from the depths of the artists mind titled “Past Physical.”
Image, 35.5″H x 50″W
Frame, 36.5″h X 51″w X .5″d (basic pine slat wood frame))
He was a prisoner at Woodbourne Correctional Facility and Auburn Correctional Facility (Maximum security) from 1965-1981 (approximately). During that period there was a program developed by the Black Emergency Cultural Coalition, with the assistance of the Museum of Modern Art (NY) to teach inmates the fine arts. this was a different kind of program for inmates that focused on teaching the arts for arts sake and not to produce or manufacture objects like other work programs or even create artists form incarcerated individuals. Many participants became well known artists and Ralph Thompson became and art teacher and leader of numerous young adult art programs in New York City. Studied at School of Visual Arts New York. Taught art at the Ward’s Island Correctional Facility..