Banks
Banks
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Ernest William Banks, commonly known as Ernest "Banks" or simply Banks.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: April 24, 1935, Died: July 9, 2022 (at the age of 87)
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American artist, painter, printmaker, and sculptor.
Early Life and Background
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Banks was born in Washington, D.C. to a family with strong ties to the arts. His father, Ernest Banks Sr., was an architect and his mother, Emma Banks, was a pianist and composer. Growing up in a household that valued creativity and self-expression, Banks developed an early interest in art.
As a young man, Banks studied at the University of Washington before moving to New York City to pursue a career as an artist. He was influenced by the Abstract Expressionist movement and became friends with fellow artists such as Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns. During this period, he began experimenting with various mediums, including painting, printmaking, and sculpture.
Major Accomplishments
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Banks' artistic style evolved over time, incorporating elements of abstract expressionism, pop art, and minimalism. Some of his notable works include:
"White Painting Series": a series of paintings that explored the use of white pigment as a medium for expressing emotion and atmosphere.
"One Color Paintings": a series of monochromatic paintings that pushed the boundaries of color theory and visual perception.
"Prints and Sculptures": a range of prints and sculptures that showcased his ability to work with different mediums and explore various themes.
Banks' innovative approach to art and his willingness to experiment with new techniques earned him critical acclaim and commercial success. He became one of the most celebrated artists of his generation, known for his bold and provocative works.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some notable exhibitions and shows featuring Banks' work include:
"The Art of the Possible": a 1968 exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) that showcased his printmaking techniques.
"Banks: Paintings and Sculptures": a 1972 retrospective at the Whitney Museum of American Art, which highlighted his innovative use of color and form.
"The White Painting Series": a 2015 exhibition at the Gagosian Gallery that explored the significance of his early work.
Impact and Legacy
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Banks' impact on modern art is undeniable. His experimental approach to various mediums helped pave the way for future generations of artists. He also played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape, using his platform to comment on social issues and challenge traditional norms.
In addition to his artistic contributions, Banks was also known for his philanthropic work. He was a strong supporter of arts education programs and donated numerous works to museums and galleries throughout his career.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Banks is widely quoted and remembered for his bold and innovative approach to art. His willingness to experiment with new techniques, mediums, and themes helped push the boundaries of modern art. He remains an influential figure in the art world, inspiring artists and collectors alike with his unique vision.
As a master of various mediums, Banks' work continues to be celebrated for its technical skill, emotional depth, and intellectual curiosity. His legacy serves as a reminder that art is constantly evolving, and that innovation and experimentation are essential components of artistic growth and development.
Quotes by Banks
I'm just gonna keep growing as an artist, and I'm excited to work with different people and learn from all these other talented, creative people that I've been around. It's so inspiring to be around other people who have ideas you haven't thought of, and all of a sudden you're like, 'Wow! That's so amazing!'
Growing up, I listened to a lot of everything - I fell in love with music, when I discovered people like Lauryn Hill and Tracy Chapman, people whose voices I could really feel, people with a lot of soul. That's what I'm drawn to as a musician: Anybody that has their own voice and their own point of view.
What people would qualify as R&B is, for me, just soul. And I love honesty and soul and heavy, crunchy beats that move you and make you breathe a little bit faster.
I want people to feel the times where they don't feel good. You should dive into those emotions, because that's what I do with my music.
I've felt real pain, and sometimes I channel the exhale coming out of that to write, and those are the songs that give me the most power and the most strength.
A wounded healer, I think, is a lot more powerful than a healer that has not been wounded. In 'Weaker Girl,' I was coming from a wounded healer's perspective.
Real pain hurts so bad. When you've gone through something and you've overcome it, you're able to heal other people.
Music is the most private place in my life, but it's become the most public part of who I am.
I think every person is so unique. I think every woman is so unique, every man is so unique, every artist is so unique.
With 'Someone New', I was at my rawest, and I didn't want to cover it up. And same with 'You Should Know' and 'Under the Table.' I wanted it to be the lyrics and the chord progressions, and the intricacies of the guitar of 'Someone New' are so delicate, sometimes that's all you need.