image of three standing Black men; man at left is heavy set with small moustache and hands on waist, wearing turquoise shirt and brown pants; man at center wears light blue sweatshirt, pink pants and white, pink and brown checked cap; man at right has short beard and wears blue and brown spotted shirt and blue pants

Willy, Billy Joe, and Leroy, 1973

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Acrylic on canvasexpand_more

Gift of Mary and Bob Merskyexpand_more  2022.98.18

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A model for Gorelick's paintings noted, "the personal relationship came first" when posing for the artist. Gorelick admired and bonded with those who would become her models. They had shared values -- often around progressive politics including activism in the Civil Rights and antiwar movements -- that brought them together. This triple portrait of brothers presents the men as confident, relaxed, and beautiful. They are self-assured and patient inn posing, who took great care in describing their features, clothing and body language.

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Details
Title
Willy, Billy Joe, and Leroy
Artist Life
1924 - 2000
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2022.98.18
Curator Approved

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image of three standing Black men; man at left is heavy set with small moustache and hands on waist, wearing turquoise shirt and brown pants; man at center wears light blue sweatshirt, pink pants and white, pink and brown checked cap; man at right has short beard and wears blue and brown spotted shirt and blue pants
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