The Spirit of Charles White, by Ulysses Jenkins, 1977

Ulysses Jenkins, Artist
Momentous Occasions: The Spirit of Charles White , 1977/1982

Medium
Video transferred to DVD, black and white, sound
Dimensions
19:42 min.
Credit Line
Courtesy of the artist. Video still courtesy of the artist

Momentous Occasions: The Spirit of Charles White is a documentary Jenkins made to honor Charles White's contributions to the art world. White was one of the most influential African American artists working in the twentieth century, particularly known for his contributions to social realism. His works primarily depict African American society, culture, and history, and after moving to Los Angeles in 1956, he became an integral part of the black art scene in Southern California. White was a renowned professor at Otis Art Institute, where in the late 1970s he met and taught Jenkins. This film is an important homage to White, documenting his significant contributions as both an artist and a teacher.