Loving Alvin

Alvin D. Loving Jr., better known as Al Loving, was a groundbreaking African-American abstract expressionist painter whose work is characterized by its exploration of complex color relationships through hard-edge abstraction, dyed fabric paintings, and large paper collages. With a career that spanned several decades, Loving left an indelible mark on the world of abstract art.

Born on September 19, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, Loving demonstrated an early passion for art. He pursued this passion academically, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1963. He further honed his craft by obtaining a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. During his time at the University of Michigan, Loving was mentored by Al Mullen, who not only guided his artistic development but also connected him with the Once Group organization, a collective that fostered experimental art practices.

In 1968, Loving made the pivotal move to New York City, settling into the culturally rich environment of the Hotel Chelsea. The following year, he achieved a significant milestone with his first solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art, a prestigious platform that showcased his innovative approach to abstraction.

Loving’s talent and unique perspective earned him recognition and support from several esteemed institutions. He was a recipient of National Endowment for the Arts fellowships in 1970, 1974, and 1984. In 1986, he was honored with a Guggenheim Fellowship, further cementing his status as a leading figure in the art world.

Throughout his career, Loving engaged in numerous large-scale public works that brought his vibrant aesthetic to a wider audience. His notable projects include the expansive mural “A Message to Demar and Lauri” (1972) on The First National Bank Building in Detroit, and “New Morning 1” (1973) for the Empire State Collection in Albany, New York. He also created ceramic murals such as “Detroit New Morning” (1987) and “Life, Growth, Continuity” (1998) at Wayne State University’s David Adamany Library.

Loving’s talents weren’t confined to murals. In 2001, he designed 70 stained-glass windows and mosaic walls for the Broadway Junction subway station in Brooklyn, showcasing his versatility across different mediums.

His work was consistently exhibited both nationally and internationally, with solo and group exhibitions at renowned venues like the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Studio Museum in Harlem, Neuberger Museum of Art in Purchase, New York, Fondation Maeght in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France, and PS1 Contemporary Art Center in Queens, New York.

Al Loving passed away on June 21, 2005, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy defined by innovation, color, and a profound understanding of abstract expressionism. His contributions continue to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike, celebrating a life dedicated to pushing the boundaries of visual art.