HORACE PIPPIN

Born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Horace Pippin (American, 1888–1946) held many jobs before he became an artist, including working on a farm, in an iron mill, and for a moving company. He enlisted in the Army in 1917, and fought in World War I in France. He served in the 369th Infantry, a famous African American regiment nicknamed the Harlem Hellfighters. After being shot in his right shoulder, Pippin returned home and taught himself to paint. He used his left hand to guide his impaired right hand, which held the paintbrush. He painted his own experiences, often taking inspiration from his childhood memories, his community, and the Bible. He said, “Pictures just come to my mind and I tell my heart to go ahead.”