Description
Still Life with Rainbow Background-Beni Kosh-1960s AfricanAmerican Oil Painting
An unframed oil painting on board by Beni E. Kosh, bornCharles Elmer Harris (1917-1993), titled Still Life with Rainbow Background.
Beni E. Kosh was a Cleveland-based African American artistwho worked across abstraction, figuration, social realism, surrealism, andmodernist composition. Born Charles Elmer Harris, he later changed his name toBeni E. Kosh, meaning “Son of Ethiopia,” in connection with his AfricanAmerican heritage. He studied with Paul Travis at the Cleveland Institute ofArt and was associated with the Sho Nuff Art Group and Karamu House. Kosh madevarious works connected to Cleveland, the Rust Belt, and African Americanheritage. His work was largely rediscovered near the end of his life and afterhis death.
This painting depicts a still life composition set against acolorful rainbow-like background. The work has a modernist decorative quality,with bold color and simplified forms.
The painting is in fair condition. The surface shows partialpaint loss, with the largest area at the lower part of the image. There is avertical scratch on the right side of the image, along with age-related wearand soiling. Unframed. Please refer to the pictures for condition.
Details • Medium: Oil on board • Artist: Beni E. Kosh / Charles Elmer Harris • Title: Still Life with Rainbow Background • Framing: Unframed • Date: 1960s • Provenance:
– Privatecollection, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
– RachelDavis Fine Arts • Dimensions: 24 x 17.75 in • Condition Report: Fair condition; partial paint loss, largest at lower image;vertical scratch on right image; age-related wear and soiling; unframed
Disclaimer I have conducted thorough research to ensure the accuracy and authenticity ofthis work to the best of my ability. However, it is sold as is, with noguarantees or warranties regarding its provenance or historical attribution.
