Ernie Barnes
Depicted by Dorian "D" Epps
July 15, 1938 - April 2009 (72 years old)
Parents: Ernest E. Barnes & Fannie Mae Greer
Ernie Barnes’ interest in the visual arts can be attributed to Mr. Fuller, a
family friend who pushed him to read art books and listen to classical
music well before the first grade. He became familiar with the likes of
Michelangelo and Toulouse-Lautrec. Although, because of Jim Crow law
and the era of legal segregation, it would be years before Ernie was
taken seriously as an artist or even allowed into local museums as a
patron, let alone a featured artist. In the meantime and against many
odds, Ernie Barnes had a very successful career as a professional
athlete, playing for the Baltimore Colts (1959-1960), San Diego Chargers
(1960-62), Denver Broncos (1963-64) and even played in the Canadian
Football League.
Barnes’ experience as a professional athlete gave him a special vantage
point to the human form and movement, which greatly influenced his
artwork. He’s quoted remarking, “(Wilson) told me to pay attention to
what my body felt like in movement. Within that elongation, there’s a
feeling, an attitude and expression. I hate to think had I not played
sports what my work would look like.” This intersectionality between
athlete and artist set him apart from other artist and athletes alike,
giving him a very successful career. He’s honored as the first “Sports
Artist of the Year”by the United States Sports Academy 1985). Notable
artworks depicting athletic feats include “The Finish” (1984), “The Bench”
(1966) and The Dunk (1970).
Not only did Ernie Barnes have an extremely successful sports arts
career, but he made such a name for himself because of his unique
perspective and identity. His artwork ventures far beyond sports and
athleticism. His painting “Sugar Shack” is the album cover for Marvin
Gaye’s “I Want You” and his “In Rapture” is featured on B.B. King’s album
“Making Love is Good For You”. Barnes’ career set the precedent for many
athletes and artists that you don’t have to choose between your “rival”
passions. Ernie Barnes is proof that sometimes, all you have to do is dig a
little deeper to take your place and discover your niche in the world.