The Art Of Ligel
“Ligel Lambert with Tschabalala Self on May 21, 2024, at the American Federation of Arts Luncheon.”
On May 21, 2024, a serendipitous encounter at the American Federation of Arts 2024 Spring Luncheon would become a defining moment in Ligel’s artistic journey. The meeting, which occurred just one day after Ligel's 42nd birthday, introduced him to the acclaimed visual artist Tschabalala Self. This chance encounter not only enriched Ligel’s perspective but also led to a pivotal addition to his Black Male Artist Professor series. The story of how Tschabalala Self inspired Ligel to paint a portrait of Robert Reed, the former Yale professor and prominent Black male artist, is a testament to the power of artistic dialogue and mentorship.
Inspired by Tschabalala’s recommendation, Ligel began to research Robert Reed extensively. He was deeply moved by Reed’s legacy, which spanned both artistic innovation and educational leadership. This new insight prompted Ligel to include Reed in his Black Male Artist Professor series, adding a new layer of depth and significance to the project.
Ligel’s journey from a chance meeting with Tschabalala Self to the creation of a portrait of Robert Reed is a powerful example of how artistic mentorship and dialogue can spark transformative projects. Through the Black Male Artist Professor series, Ligel continues to honor and highlight the contributions of Black male artists and educators, with each portrait adding to a larger narrative of impact and inspiration. Tschabalala Self’s influence was pivotal in this process, demonstrating the importance of collaboration and guidance in the evolution of artistic expression.