BREAKING: Renowned artist Frank Wimberly has died at the age of 99, as confirmed by Berry Campbell Gallery, which represented him. Wimberly passed away earlier this month, leaving behind a legacy marked by innovation and a profound connection to both art and jazz.
In recent months, Wimberly was engaged in his art, completing a collage titled “Untitled” (2025) just before his death. This work was prominently featured in his retrospective exhibition, Frank Wimberley: Before More After Less, at the Berry Campbell Gallery in Chelsea, New York. The show displayed a comprehensive collection of his paintings, collages, and sculptures spanning from 1982 to 2025. His wife, Juanita Wimberly, noted that this collage was “the first one to go,” underscoring its significance.
Wimberly’s artistic journey began in Pleasantville, New Jersey, where he was born in 1926. His mother, a ceramicist and pianist, nurtured his passion for creativity, while his father introduced him to music. After studying art at Howard University, he pursued his craft independently, juggling his artistic ambitions with a job at the United States Post Office.
Throughout his career, Wimberly’s work received critical acclaim, showcased in numerous exhibitions, including the recent With Passion and Purpose at the National Gallery of Art. He was deeply influenced by the Abstract Expressionist and Black Arts Movements, and he co-founded the Eastville Artists in the 1970s, a group of Black artists who made significant contributions to the region’s cultural landscape.
Wimberly’s innovative approach combined various media, blending texture and color to create evocative pieces. His works often reflected his love for jazz, with improvisational elements mirroring the spontaneity of musical expression. “I was trying to put myself on a level with those people, with the art,” he once said, referring to jazz legends like Miles Davis.
His dedication to the craft was evident even in his final years. Wimberly’s legacy will be celebrated not only through his artwork but also through his influence on future generations of artists. His final works serve as a testament to a life devoted to exploration and creativity.
As the art community mourns this significant loss, Wimberly’s impact on the world of art and culture will undoubtedly be felt for years to come. His journey from a young artist influenced by jazz to a titan in the art world is a story that resonates with both passion and perseverance.
Stay tuned for more updates on the legacy of Frank Wimberly, as we remember an artist who embodied the spirit of creativity and innovation until the very end.
