Paul Keene

Produced by: 
Carlton Jones for Scribe Video Center
Year: 
1988
Duration: 
15 min

"I want a confrontation," says Keene about his art. This short documentary portrait details the vision, inspiration and philosophy that grounded the work of this extraordinary Black American painter, a self-described "abstract realist" whose story reflects both the accomplishments and the difficulties of African American artists in the 20th century. As we listen to Keene and see his most commanding paintings and drawings (accompanied by a leisurely jazz and blues score), a colorful and well-rounded picture emerges of a nationally known Philadelphia-based artist at the height of his powers.

Paul Keene was a Philadelphia-born black artist who earned an prominent reputation at a time when that was exceedingly difficult for artists of his race. He earned three degrees and taught at Temple University's Tyler School of Art and the Philadelphia College of Art. In 1960 he was promoted to Associate Professor of Art at the Philadelphia College of Art. He remained there until 1969, when he left to become a full-time professor at Bucks County Community College in Newtown, Pennsylvania, where he helped to establish a new art department. He retired from teaching in 1985 and took up his brushes full time.

In addition to the Michener Art Museum, Keene's work is in the collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Dallas Museum of Art, Tucson Museum of Art, and the Woodmere Art Museum, among others. His subject matter reflects his personal responses to experiences of African Americans, and his work includes voodoo symbolism, ancient Haitian deities, and depictions of jazz musicians.

Carlton Jones is a working videographer and the head of Carlton Jones Video based in Willow Grove, PA.

Public Screenings, Broadcasts and Festivals: 

February 13, 1998 - Scribe Video Center Retrospective: Five on the Black Hand Side at the Painted Bride Art Center (Philadelphia, PA)