Sylvia Snowden’s Vibrant Use of Color as a Representation of Life
Sylvia Snowden in 2024: The Electric Energy of a Distinguished Painter
Sylvia Snowden stands as a beacon in the art world, known for her vibrant paintings that oscillate between figuration and abstraction. Her work teems with energy and movement, sparking an electric connection with viewers by stirring emotions and probing the depths of the human condition. Her recent solo exhibition at White Cube New York, “On the Verge,” showcases 20 of her paintings, a testament to her enduring passion and creative fervor.
Snowden’s mastery of color is a lifelong journey, nurtured by her mother’s love of vibrant hues. Her assertion that “color is life” underscores her artistic philosophy, where each hue is a vehicle of expression. Her latest exhibition centers around her “M Street” series, a collection of abstract portraits that capture the essence of her neighbors from Washington, DC. While not direct representations, these portraits universalize human emotions, reflecting Snowden’s deep understanding of the human psyche.
Born to parents immersed in the cultural milieu of New Orleans, Snowden was encouraged to pursue the arts from an early age. She honed her craft at Howard University under the tutelage of iconic Black artists like James A. Porter and Loïs Mailou Jones. Their mentorship helped forge her identity as an artist who communicates through her canvases, compelling her to articulate her visions despite her preference for visual expression over words.
Snowden’s unique approach combines acrylic paint and oil pastels on Masonite, an innovative technique honed during a pivotal residency in Australia. Her choice of materials feeds into her distinctive style of “structural abstract expressionism,” where texture and color collide to form sculptural impastos that leap from their surfaces. This tactile and visual texture enhances the dynamism and intensity of her paintings, making them not only visually but viscerally engaging.
At 83, Snowden continues to paint daily, driven by a passion that has been present since her youth. Her artworks are manifestations of an evolving journey where the act of painting is an exploration of ideas and emotions. Each piece in her series extends beyond mere aesthetics to probe deeper questions and emotions, a testament to her commitment to capturing the complexity of life.
Snowden’s legacy is one of resilience and creativity — qualities instilled in her by her parents and championed through her artistic education. Through her work, she affirms the importance of cultural memory, ensuring that those who might be forgotten are remembered and celebrated. Her art mirrors her life: vibrant, complex, and full of depth, a tribute to the enduring power of creativity.