Paul Goodnight Biography
Chicago, 1946 -
EstablishedAfrican American painter Paul Goodnight has developed his own unique aesthetic philosophy to document humanity and people around the world. He often incorporates African themes and symbols in his expressive paintings to provide layers of history and culture.
Goodnight's vibrant and emotional work has often been a reflection of his life; from the demons he faced during the Vietnam War to the time he was incarcerated. 'I've learned that art is making me, rather then me creating it', he says.
Goodnight. He has studied and travelled extensively to different parts of the world, living among the people of Russia, China, Haiti, Nicaragua, Africa and Brazil.
Goodnight studied at the Vesper George School of Art. In 1976 he graduated from Massachusetts College of Art. In 1984 his work was shown on the television series 'The Cosby Show'and has since adorned the sets of 'Seinfeld, 'ER' and 'Living Single'.
En 1991, Goodnight founded "Color Circle Art Publishing", a publishing house dedicated to the perpetuation of the art and image of the African diaspora. Goodnight's work can be found in the private collections of celebrities including Maya Angelou, Wesley Snipes and Samuel L. Jackson. The Smithsonian Institute also owns examples of his work.
Goodnight's most recent achievements include being commissioned by Geovision for Mass Dept. of Public Health Minority Adult Male Anti-Smoking Campaign, American Airline and Top Artist Inc. to do a commemorative piece for Black Enterprise 30th Anniversary and the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts Award. He was commissioned to do a piece to raise funds for the African American: Research Library in FL which auctioned for $32,500 and was commissioned to do a piece by The Valley Inc. in NY which auctioned for $5 t 000.-His works were showcased at the Schomburg Center in NY sponsored by Toyota and Essence Magazine for the Essence Awards 2000, the 2000 African American Achievement Award, WILD local radio station 21st Century Award and the Mass College of Art May 1999 Honorary Masters Award. He was commissioned to design a ceramic mural for the entrance of the Orlando Airport, a commission to create an original work tot the cover of the Official 2000 souvenir magazine of The Boys Choir of Harlem, and featured in the Official Souvenir Magazine of Alvin Alley for the 1999-2000 season.
