STORIES FROM PAFA

Barkley L. Hendricks '67: A Pioneer of the Portrait

As a contemporary painter, Barkley L. Hendricks (Cert. ’67) has made pioneering contributions to African American portraiture and conceptualism. He is best known for his striking and provocative life-sized portraits.

According to Hendricks, his time at PAFA enabled him to step onto the world’s stage. “It was through PAFA that I explored regions of the planet that at that time were considered less important as far as the art world was concerned,” recalls Hendricks. “PAFA provided money for my first trip to the African continent, thus it helped to set a mindset as far as travel and expanding beyond the American borders.

It’s an ingredient that I find inviting, and periodically it is necessary to get out of America to sort of see what’s going on firsthand. I would love to revisit some of the places I have been, and visit some places I haven’t.”

The achievements of PAFA graduates are stories of success as they continue to pave the way for many of today’s generation of artists. Many alumni echo statements similar to one that Hendricks’ put forth as he reflected on his PAFA education: “I looked at myself as a rough gem—and the Academy helped to polish it.”

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About PAFA

Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is the United States’ first school and museum of fine arts. A recipient of the National Medal of Arts, PAFA offers a world-class collection of American art, innovative exhibitions of historic and contemporary American art, and educational opportunities in the fine arts. The PAFA Museum aims to tell America's diverse story through art, expanding who has been included in the canon of art history through its collections, exhibitions, and public programs, while classes educate artists and appreciators with a deep understanding of traditions and the ability to challenge conventions. PAFA’s esteemed alumni include Mary Cassatt, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, William Glackens, Barkley L. Hendricks, Violet Oakley, Louis Kahn, David Lynch, and Henry Ossawa Tanner.