November 19th 2023.
Radcliffe Bailey, the renowned artist known for his contributions to Black art, has passed away. His works depicted the Black experience through paintings, sculptures and mixed-media pieces, often incorporating repurposed objects. One of his most famous displays was “Windward Coast–West Coast Slave Trade” which featured a sequined head sitting atop a “sea” of wooden piano keys. The gallery label described the meaning of the piano keys; they were arranged to represent the turbulent waters of the Middle Passage, and highlighted his love of music, history, culture and spirituality.
In an interview with the Brooklyn Rail, Bailey discussed his 2021 piece “Slow Blues”, which used indigo as a material. Indigo had a heavy, loaded meaning behind it, being used as a crop during slavery and referencing the blues. He said that the piece was in a cabinet rather than a frame, and referred to these works as medicine cabinets. The idea behind it was that whenever someone was sick, they would go to the medicine cabinet to make themselves feel better. For Bailey, memory was the medicine.
Bailey was born on November 25, 1968 in Bridgeton, New Jersey and was raised in Atlanta. He received his BFA from Atlanta College of Art in 1991 and quickly established himself in the art world with his early works inspired by the Hip-Hop culture of the 1970’s and 1980’s.
When news of Bailey's death spread, fans and friends paid tribute to the renowned artist on social media. Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, a childhood friend of the artist, posted a heartfelt message on Twitter saying, “Radcliff Bailey was one of the 1st boys I knew who wore a pink Polo. Even in 7th grade he was cool & cutting edge. From @MBStadium, @HighMuseumofArt, airport & beyond he reminds us of our past & gives hope for the future. We tip our hats & may the ancestors meet you w/open arms”.
Bailey is survived by his wife Leslie Parks Bailey, daughter Olivia, son Coles, his father and mother Radcliffe Sr. and Brenda, as well as a host of family and friends. He was an artist who was respected and admired by many, and will be greatly missed.
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