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Charles Joyner, refuting the way we see art By Nile Jean '24

If you enter the library through one of the doors, you will eventually come across the Westport Public Library cafè. In addition to that, you will see a newer, smaller, more museumlike exhibit, with the words “Charles Joyner” on the inside. This library exhibit, which was installed on March 10, 2022, showcases some of Charles Joyner’s work.

Charles Joyner is an African American artist, author, teacher, and traveler. He has visited many different places in Africa such as Ghana, which is where he bases a majority of his paintings. Joyner derives his art from several sources, such as Ghanian literature, spirituality, and ideals. In addition to that, he uses a mixture of art styles such as abstract, and modern art.

"I think that the addition of a black artist in the Westport library is something that was way overdue,” Michael Loya '25 said, “And something that will positively change the library.”

In the exhibit, there are multiple pictures of Joyner, as well as his art, his work, objects from Africa, and multiple captions or summaries of what he did abroad in different countries. You may also find pieces like “Angela, You Got to Pay the Price to Be Free” which both show a beautiful image and give the viewer a short story. You can also find artifacts, which all have different backstories.

Woven artifacts brought back from parts of Africa

Joyner attended Staples in 1964, and was an avid sports player, as he was involved with basketball, and football. Later on in his life, Joyner found a passion for art, where he was given the chance to travel, and practice abroad. In addition to art, Joyner has hosted different things like podcasts that further explain his work and initiative. He has worked with many people, but he usually works with his partner Bonnie Claire who is a producer of documentaries and is an entrepreneur, as she founded the company “4 Million Voices' ' which documents, and helps African Americans.

Here, Joyner shows that art isn’t always about paintings, or pictures, but about experiences. He shows himself, and foriegen figures to prove that art isn’t just visual, but physical too.

Black artists, such as Joyner are under-appreciated, and they aren't usually mentioned or showcased. Many different Staples students enjoy art, and some are excited to see an influential showcase of someone who looks like them.

"Art feels like a way to take a problem or topic and present what you're feeling about it through the pen, paper, paint, and more,” Sean Ramos '24 said.

The Exhibit is expected to close on June 5th, 2022.

One of my favorite pictures, the picture gives a better story than the caption ever could. Joyner shows his audience that he can both paint beautiful pictures and tell great stories.