Note Type
Antony Hayton, Exhibit DirectorNote
Mary Ann Carroll (1940-2019)
Ancient River Meander
Oil on Upson Board circa the mid to Late 1960s
Image size 24" X 48"
Christened "First Lady of the Highwaymen" by Gary Monroe in his book of the same title, he offered "Like her Highwaymen brethren, she traveled across the state, selling her art at hotels, offices, and restaurants where she was not allowed to drink, eat, or even sit." The racial struggle of the Highwaymen really began at birth; by the time they were teenagers, they were well-versed in their potential futures. Stepping out of the box and challenging not only the Jim Crow laws but also the societal expectations of their race is equally important to the Highwaymen saga, as is the incredible story of their prodigious art legacy. Those two aspects together make the Highwaymen saga a most improbable, if not unbelievable, accomplishment.
This early work by Mary Anne Carroll is an absolute gem and indicative of her creative use of color and mood. As we enter through her window, we are immediately draped by Spanish moss hanging from ancient, twisted trees. The view ahead feels primeval, a fantasy from her imagination that draws us slowly along the river. The subtle beauty of this ancient place is like nowhere else we have been. It is brave of her to take us there; there is no doubt that few have ventured here. In the distance, the river meanders slowly while birds feed in the shallows. She has unveiled Florida's past as if it were a gift for those fortunate enough to pass by and marvel. Undoubtedly, she was still in the early stages of her career. Still, her color choices and the shades of blue, green, and yellow are intriguing and soothing—almost supernatural. Her brush strokes vary, at times hurried and at others delicately applied. Does this place really exist? It truly does in this moment with Mary Anne Carroll, and she delivers it to us in soft tones and magical almost supernatural mystery.