Ernie Barnes

Ernie Barnes (July 15, 1938 – April 27, 2009) was a groundbreaking American painter whose iconic neo-mannerist style captured movement and energy through elongated forms. Born in Durham, North Carolina, he overcame segregation-era schooling and excelled in both sports and art, attending North Carolina Central University on a scholarship. 

After a brief professional football career in the NFL, he transitioned fully to his passion for painting, gaining recognition for his dynamic depictions of African American life and culture.

One of his best-known works, The Sugar Shack, became an enduring symbol of joy and community, appearing on Marvin Gaye’s I Want You album cover and in the credits of the television series Good Times. In 2022, the original painting sold for a record-breaking $15.3 million, cementing its status as a cultural icon.

Throughout his career, Barnes served as the Official Sports Artist for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and created celebrated works for institutions such as the NBA Hall of Fame and numerous professional sports franchises. His unique vision, shaped by personal experience and heritage, secured his place as one of the most influential African American artists of the 20th century.