Lula Mae Blocton

Lula Mae Blocton, an African-American abstract oil painter hailing from Michigan, has dedicated her fifty-year creative career to visualizing her intricate racial, cultural, and personal history, rooted in a rural community near Selma, Alabama.  

Biography of Lula Mae Blocton

Lula Mae Blocton's artistic journey began with a cum laude MFA from Indiana University, where she studied under the guidance of Samia Halaby and James McGarrell. Blocton also holds a BFA from the University of Michigan.

For 25 years, Blocton served as an art educator, culminating in her retirement in 2013 as an emeritus professor at Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU). At ECSU, she left an indelible mark by establishing the Art Department, developing the BA in Studio Art, and contributing to the creation of the Pride Center—a vital resource for LGBTQ+ issues and support for students on campus.

In 2020, her painting "Summer Ease" found a permanent home in the collection of the Columbus Museum of Art, following its inclusion in the exhibition "Art After Stonewall 1969-1989." Other Blocton's paintings are in various collections, including First Fairview Capital Inc., Eastern Connecticut State University, The Connecticut State University System, Albright Knox Museum, Prudential Life Insurance Company, and The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

Lula Mae Blocton's Art Style

Blocton's artistic expression is a fusion of authentic African designs, exploring the interplay between geometric and curvilinear forms. Her patterns, layered with colors to create a perception of transparency, carry social and political connotations. The deliberate use of rainbow spectrums, coupled with black and white, serves as a powerful commentary on race and LGBTQ human rights issues, echoing her commitment to social, racial, and economic justice.

Lula Mae Blocton's art weaves a vibrant tapestry, inviting viewers to engage with her narrative and contemplate the broader issues of justice and equality.