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Collage of five diverse artworks from the Hammer Museum Collections side by side. From left to right: 1) Contemporary painting of two embracing figures with surreal elements. 2) Post-impressionist style painting of trees with vibrant blues and greens. 3) Black and white illustration of a face with intricate patterns. 4) Japanese woodblock print style image of a figure in a checkered robe. 5) Photograph of a couple dancing, the woman in a black dress and the man in white

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Digital Archive Now Dig This!: Art and Black Los Angeles 1960–1980
Art William Pajaud, Sea Bird on Nest
Sea Bird on Nest, by William Pajaud, n.d.

William Pajaud, Artist
Sea Bird on Nest , n.d.

Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
30 1/2 x 46 1/2 in. (77.5 x 118.1)
Credit Line
Private collection. Photo by Ed Glendinning

Sea Bird on Nest is part of a larger series of expressionistic paintings of diving birds, a subject chosen by Pajaud for its formal interest. The contrast of the stark white feathers against a pitch black sky creates a chiaroscuro effect that is intensified by the vibrant red of the bird’s foot. Pajaud was one of the first African American artists to attend the Chouinard Art Institute, which later became California Institute of the Arts.