Sister Gertrude Morgan God’s Greatest Hits ca. 1970

Sister Gertrude Morgan praised God for giving her the skill to make art and the wisdom to share it in his honor. Her zeal as a preacher, prophet, poet, and gospel singer-songwriter is clearly expressed in her work. She referred to herself as a “Prophetess” and the “Everlasting Gospel Teacher.” Her devotion was so profound that she considered herself to be the bride of Christ and wore white to show the purity of her commitment.  Well-known gallerist and arts advocate Larry Borenstein and his close friend Allan Jaffe, with whom he founded Preservation Hall, were early supporters and introduced her work to a number of important collectors. For years, Morgan personally maintained a booth at the New Orleans Jazz Festival where she sold paintings to support her mission.  Most of Morgan’s biblically-grounded works incorporate scriptural texts, functioning as both proselytizing illustrations and teaching aides.
Identification
Title
God’s Greatest Hits
Production Date
ca. 1970
Object Number
2019.040a-b
Credit Line
Collection Pérez Art Museum Miami, gift of Gordon W. Bailey
Copyright
© Sister Gertrude Morgan
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Physical Qualities
Medium
Mixed media on paper
Dimensions
7 3/4 x 9 3/4 inches
Visual Description
God’s Greatest Hits by Sister Gertrude Morgan a book made around 1970. It is usually encapsulated behind a glass or clear plastic case and placed on a white pedestal roughly three feet tall. The book stands around ten inches vertically for display. The paper pages are compacted with tempera paintings, prayers, illustrations and inspirational speeches. The colors used are vibrant shades and tones of predominately primary colors, like red, blue and yellow. The images are simple and messages are direct. The edges of these pages are slightly worn and discolored. Each page is designed by hand. Sister Gertrude Morgan’s handwritten poetry, prayers, speeches, and affirmations overlap preexisting text. Images painted in acrylic over the text also convey her adventures, visions and messages to humanity. Her message centers on encouraging people to focus their energy toward helping each other rather than superficial gain. Some illustrated figures reference the artist herself with a brown tone and religious gear marked by the cross. Other figures drawn with wings allude to celestial beings around us, bordering and lining her pages through her words. These figures are painted in peach tones with white wings. Each page conveys individual expressions of reverence for God and the teachings of fellowship and maintaining humanity through service and education. This woven narrative gives little indication of a linear perspective of her life. As a result, most works are undated or dated with a range of dates.
Sister Gertrude Morgan
Sister Gertrude Morgan — b. 1900, LaFayette, Alabama; d. 1980, New Orleans
Artist Page