William McBride (Illinois/Louisiana, 1912-2000) oil on canvasboard painting, titled "Abstracted Figures", depicting angular shapes inspired by African masks and rendered with muted tones and black outlines, on a multicolored background. Signed "McBride" lower right. Housed in a contemporary painted frame dotted with circular impressions on corners. Sight: 24" H x 18" W. Framed: 29" H x 23 1/2" W. Biography: William McBride was a 20th century African American artist born in Louisiana. He later moved to Chicago where he studied at the Art Institute of Chicago. He joined a collective of young Black artists known as the Arts and Crafts Guild and was active in the Works Progress Administration. His work was featured in the 1940 opening exhibit of the South Side Community Art Center in Chicago, which remains the only surviving community art center created under the WPA. During the latter part of his career, he became inspired by African imagery and masks, and incorporated them into his artwork.

Very good condition for painting. Slight chipping of frame veneer ranging from 1/4" to 1".