Benjamin Britt, Untitled (Abstract)

Benjamin Britt worked in a variety of styles, including Cubism, Surrealism, and Minimalism. His choice of subject matter was equally diverse, ranging from bold African themes to children, landscapes, and portraiture. In this work, layered curving and geometric lines seem to float over a ground of green, yellow, and white angular shapes. A black circle at the painting's center anchors the composition.

Although not a member of Group ’55 or Philadelphia Abstract Artists, Britt was an abstract painter in Philadelphia in the 1950s who was inspired by cubism and surrealism. An African American artist, he would later turn to Africa-inspired themes and subjects.

Britt studied at the Hussian School of Art, the Philadelphia Museum School of Art (now the University of the Arts), and the Art Students’ League in New York. Britt was an instructor and mentor throughout his career, teaching at the Wharton Centre, the YMCA, and St. John’s Place Family Center. He exhibited his work in Philadelphia for almost fifty years.