Dozens of swirling, rhythmic black stick figures painted with thick brushstrokes against a dusty pink background.

Purvis Young was an American artist of Bahamian descent known for his expressive mixed-media works made from found materials. Using scrap wood and plywood collected from the streets of Overtown in Miami, Florida, Young combined painting, drawing, and collage to portray both the struggles and spiritual energy of his community. He developed his artistic style through books from local libraries and was inspired by the mural movement of the 1960s. Next to his studio was a warehouse owned by a moving company, and Purvis often used the leftover plywood they discarded to create his works. He became known for displaying his paintings of urban life, figures, and animals on abandoned buildings throughout Overtown, transforming the neighborhood into an open-air gallery. All of the works featured on the website came directly from the artist.

Artist: Purvis Young

Material: Acrylic on Fiber board

Please note that all sizes are approximate.