About Gale

The works of Fulton Ross are not easily categorized. As a classically trained artist, the “figurative” has remained while the dreamlike abstractions, either in the foreground or background are an integral part of her art.

Initially trained as a museum curator, Fulton Ross received early acclaim as a portrait artist of such African American luminaries as Jackie Robinson, Justice Thurgood Marshall and A. Phillip Randolph among others.

Her “private” works began to be shown in the San Francisco Bay area in the late sixties. Serious note was taken of her ability to convey a mood, a sensitivity, an inner view to the psyche that the viewer can actually feel. Now, as then, it is the rare artist that paints from the introspective soul, eschewing the trends.

Fulton Ross’ deeply expressive paintings generate contradictory feelings within the audience. While Woe Is Me is viewed by many as a melancholic, even tragic work. Others feel that the sunshine yellow dress worn by the subject belies that feeling. This is the same artist who painted Laughing Man and Mrs. Whitehead, works that defy you not to smile much less laugh out loud.

Gale acknowledges that her art is autobiographical. As an African American she is proud and aware of her cultural heritage celebrated in some of her works. A dichotomy arises and she is quoted saying “I am not a Black artist, I am an American artist who happens to paint what i know, what I live and what I understand.”

Her statements on art, race and gender generally reflect the fact that she feels labels and categories not only restrict us but create distance and division. When viewing Fulton Ross work we experience emotions that are universal.

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