Young Willie Mae undated

Mose Tolliver, or "Mose T" as he's also known, created this painting of Young Willie Mae on wood. Tolliver was part of a vital tradition of self-taught Black artists in the American South. He often used found materials like discarded plywood to create his art. Looking at Young Willie Mae, we can see Tolliver's distinctive style. He used simple shapes and bold colors, creating a memorable and engaging image. But it's important to remember that artists like Tolliver operated outside of the mainstream art world. They weren't necessarily trying to get their work into galleries or museums. They were creating art for their own communities, reflecting their own experiences and perspectives. To understand Tolliver's work fully, we need to consider the social and economic conditions in which he lived. We must study not only the art itself but also the broader cultural context that shaped its creation.