African Americans In Art: Greg Pitts - The Black Jackson Pollock

(By Toya Bryant) August 1, 2009 - Jackson Pollock was an American abstract expressionist artist who became popular for his drip and splatter method of artwork during the 1930’s. Greg Pitts had never heard of him until people began to make comparisons between the great artists’ works and his own.

Mr. Pitts grew up in Lima Ohio displayed artistic abilities as a young man. His talents were not nurtured though until his late teens when he purchased his first camera. That seemingly small purchase was only the start down a road to an artistic career that began when he was just a senior in high school and received an invitation to attend a prestigious fashion design school. But, his desire to create art was not yet to come to fruition. Due to lack of family support and the impending birth of his first child, he shelved his career plans and entered the army.

Eleven years ago he resumed his career by venturing into radio and television. During that time he did voice-over work and photography. In 2004 he moved to South Florida to further his career and began to garner noticed for his work as a freelance photographer.

His career as an abstract artist began initially as a hobby where he would paint his unique designs onto t-shirts. His first actual painting on canvas came later when he painted a self-portrait. Only after trying to get a piece of his artwork framed did he receive his first Pollock comparison. The framer asked Mr. Pitts if the work was an original Jackson Pollock. Greg acknowledged that he didn’t even know who Pollock was. He went on to put that very painting into an art show. After seeing a woman become visibly moved by his artwork he felt that his efforts could impact the art world. He came to be affectionately known as “The Black Jackson Pollack”

Since his humble beginning Greg Pitts has gone on to receive many accolades for his work. He was featured in February 2009 as artist of the month at Elements of Art (elementsofart.org) a non-profit organization designed to promote art and culture in South Florida. He has had his work exhibited at Etra Fine Art Gallery and Ornare in Miami, and ArtServe (artserve.org) in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He also has a showing on August 1st, 2009 at the Art Expressions Gallery in Wilton Manors, FL.

Mr. Pitts has been dedicated to giving back to the community and has donated many of his pieces to various charities such as: The American Diabetes Association, The Florida AIDS Walk, Tourettes Syndrome Association, and The American Heart Association. Greg Pitts is also an accomplished filmmaker and continues to work as an actor. His most recent role was in the movie Transporter 2.

You can view Greg Pitt’s photography and art gallery as well as obtain additional information about him at www.theblackjacksonpollock.com and www.twitter.com/theblackjkspollock.

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