Marguerite Durham-Visionary Folk Art

"Prayer in Flight." Oil on CanvasPhoto byDown South Today

By Doc Lawrence

Her fans range from Hollywood superstars to gallery owners and art collectors. I’ve been an admirer of Marguerite Durham’s stunning paintings since I first saw them almost two decades ago at Olivia Thomason’s legendary folk art gallery near Emory University, The Primitive Eye.

Ms. Durham employs a style into her painted creations that harken to childhood memories while remaining true to her heritage. Usually oil on canvas, there are scenes of church and family life while others depict deep visions that are strikingly images of beautiful African women.

"Lady." Oil on CanvasPhoto byDown South Today

Versatility is another hallmark of Ms. Durham’s works. Some are quite abstract, influenced, she said, “by the hand of God.” A proud mother and grandmother, her faith and devotion to the Holy Word is deep and strong, and find their way into her paintings.

Georgia historically has been a hot-spot for folk art. Rev. Howard Finster, Lorenzo Scott, Nellie Mae Rowe, Eric Legee, Ab the Flagman, Mattie Lou O’Kelley, Olivia Thomason and O. L. Samuels are but a handful of Georgia’s best. “Marguerite Durham,” said Olivia Thomason, “Is naturally gifted. You simply cannot paint with the color, energy and mystery that she displays unless you really were born with this ability.”

"Struggle." Oil on Canvas.Photo byDown South Today

There is some credible talk about a coffee table book featuring these paintings. Obviously, Ms. Durham’s paintings should be in major folk art galleries throughout the South and beyond. Opportunities have been limited for folk artists but that seems to be changing. Queen Latifah, the popular film superstar, recently acquired several of Ms. Durham’s paintings. Buzz is in the air.

John F. Kennedy said that “[t]he arts is far from an interruption, a distraction, in the life of a nation, [it] is close to the center of a nation's purpose-and is a test of the quality of a nations' civilization.” Marguerite Durham, through her paintings, offers a peaceful interlude, an opportunity to behold the power of imagination by feeling and enjoying the story she tells as a higher power enables.

"Country Store." Oil on Canvas.Photo byDown South Today

Like much of the music born in the South, Folk Art is multicultural. African art forms blend with those from other faraway places. Gospel music along with Blues, Jazz, Country, Rock and more appear and it pleases those who love music. Tragedy and triumph are honored.

Folk artists historically have lacked the resources of expensive marketing and promotions. To her credit, Ms. Durham has continued, exhibiting wherever an opportunity was at hand, still producing art that will endure for many generations as testaments to a rich cultural heritage that must be preserved.

Marguerite Durham’s churches, family scenes, African women and fascinating abstracts are not limited to her individuality, they are components of a greater spiritual universe, invitations into our collective souls. Through the magic of imagery, we are comforted, knowing that we have at hand visions of a higher life.

Self-taught Artist Marguerite Durham.Photo byDown South Today