Willie Middlebrook (artist) facts for kids
Willie Robert Middlebrook, Jr. (born August 11, 1957, in Detroit, Michigan – died May 5, 2012, in Los Angeles, California) was an American photographer and artist. He was also a strong supporter of the African-American community in Los Angeles. Willie Middlebrook received many awards during his life. He was known for his beautiful photographs and for helping his community.
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Who Was Willie Middlebrook?
Willie Middlebrook was a talented artist who used his camera to tell stories. He focused on showing the dignity and strength of African-American people and communities in Los Angeles. His work was collected by famous museums like the Art Institute of Chicago and the LACMA.
Early Life and Education
In 1960, when Willie was young, his family moved to the greater Los Angeles area. He loved art and photography from a young age. He studied at Compton Community College, where he earned a degree in Art and Photography. He also received a certificate in design from the Communicative Arts Academy.
A Passion for Photography
Willie Middlebrook was very passionate about photography. He taught at many places, including the Watts Towers Arts Center and California State University Los Angeles. He also helped guide the Photography Department at his old college, Compton Community College.
He even worked as a photographer for Time Magazine. His pictures showed important moments for African Americans in Los Angeles. Many of these photos were published in European magazines.
Giving Back to the Community
Willie Middlebrook believed in helping his community. He was honored many times for his social activism and outreach in Los Angeles. In 2009, he received a special grant from the City of Los Angeles. Before that, he had already received many awards and thanks for over 20 years. The Los Angeles City Council praised his photography three times. The City of Compton even called him a "Hometown Hero."
His influence went beyond Los Angeles. His artwork was shown in galleries all over the country. He also served as a director for the Society for Photographic Education, helping other photographers learn and grow.
His Unique Art Style
As an artist, Willie Middlebrook was famous for photographing African-American people and communities. He always showed them with great respect. He was also known for his special printing methods. He would paint thick layers of photographic liquid onto surfaces. Then, he would expose this material to light to create a print. He often did this in multiple layers to get unique effects. Later, he started using digital methods to create his layered artwork.
Awards and Recognition
Willie Middlebrook received many important honors. He earned two Visual Artist Fellowships in photography from the National Endowment for the Arts. These are big awards for artists in the United States. He also received many requests to create art for public places. One of his artworks is at the Los Angeles Metro Expo/Crenshaw Station.
