Biography

Sister Gertrude Morgan was a self-taught African-American artist, musician, poet, and preacher, born on April 7, 1900, in LaFayette, Alabama. She moved to New Orleans in 1939, where she lived and worked until her death on July 8, 1980. Morgan is celebrated for her vibrant folk art paintings, which often incorporated religious themes and texts, reflecting her deep spiritual beliefs and her role as a preacher. Her work is characterized by its bold use of color and dynamic compositions, capturing her visionary experiences and religious fervor. Throughout her career, Sister Gertrude Morgan gained critical acclaim and her art was featured in numerous exhibitions, particularly in the 1970s, as part of the growing recognition of visionary and folk art. Her paintings are valued for their authenticity and the unique perspective they offer into the spiritual and cultural life of African-American communities in the South. Collectors and institutions prize her work for its historical significance and its contribution to the narrative of self-taught artists in America.