April 27, 2009- “Good Times” artist Ernie Barnes dies at age 70
Most of us know Ernie Barnes best by his painting “Sugar Shack” that could be seen at the end of every “Good Times” episode. On April 27, 2009, Ernie Barnes passed away at age 70 in Los Angeles. I became reacquainted with his work when living in the Raleigh-Durham area a few years back (Ernie is a Durham, NC native) and immediately bought a “Sugar Shack” print to add to my collection.
What was news to me to read was that Ernie was a pro football player…
Drafted into professional football in 1959, Barnes, a lineman, played for the New York Titans, Baltimore Colts, San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos. (source: The News & Observer)
Regarding the details of his death…
Ernie Barnes was born with a rare blood disorder that eventually contributed to his death, said James. He died Monday night in a Los Angeles hospital, near where he had made his home for decades. (source: The News & Observer)
I found this tidbit interesting about Ernie’s artwork…
Barnes never painted his subjects with their eyes open.
“We don’t see each other,” he said once in an interview. “We are blind to each other’s humanity.” (source: NPR News)
Read more about the life and work of Ernie Barnes from the links I’m sharing below…
kanYe West blog– ERNIE BARNES (1938-2009) RETROSPECTIVE
The Root– A BELATED FAREWELL TO PAINTER ERNIE BARNES
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette– OBITUARY: ERNIE BARNES
LA Times Blogs– FAREWELL, BOB OATES AND ERNIE BARNES
Thank you for your contribution, Ernie Barnes.
