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ODU University Archives
3000 Perry LibraryMel Frizzell
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[Identification of item], Box [insert number], Folder [insert number and title], Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
Ms. Ann Dearsley-Vernon
Gift. Accession # A2011-01
The collection was processed and finding aid created by Mel Frizzell, Special Collections Assistant, in 2012.
Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson was born in New Haven, Connecticut on April 18, 1925 to an Irish mother and an African American father. Jackson spent most of his childhood inside due to asthma, but showed an interest in art at an early age. During his senior year of high-school, Jackson made a pen and ink drawing of William Lyons Phelps, a revered professor at Yale University, and an acquaintance of Jackson's father. After seeing the drawing, Phelps scheduled a meeting between Jackson and the dean of Yale's art school. Soon after his interview and portfolio review, Jackson was admitted in September, 1946. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting in 1953, and a Master of Fine Arts in graphic design in 1955.
Jackson worked for three years at the Watson-Manning Advertising Agency in Stratford, Connecticut as a designer before he began to focus on teaching. He worked briefly as an instructor at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1955, before moving to Norfolk, Virginia in 1956 to teach art at Norfolk State University. Jackson taught there for 10 years, and was chairman for one. In 1967, he joined Old Dominion College (later Old Dominion University) as a full-time professor in the art department and the school's first black faculty member. While at Old Dominion, Jackson participated as a judge in numerous art shows while having several showcases of his own. He was also active in programs for underprivileged youth, including a three year federal Pell grant program to instruct and inspire high-school students of all backgrounds and ethnicities to pursue higher education in 1969.
As an artist, Jackson's work focused primarily on painting and photography, though he also worked with both screen printing processes and sculpture. His work earned him various awards and showcases, in spite of the obstacles that racism presented for him. While Jackson was not a civil rights activist, he believed that art transcended race and was affiliated with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Jackson was also active in the Norfolk art community and was a member of the Norfolk Fine Arts Committee. He did art criticism feature writing for the Ledger-Star, the Virginian Pilot's sister afternoon edition, as well as Sight and Sound magazine in Norfolk. His work is represented in the permanent collections of Yale University, Dartmouth College, Mint Museum of Fine Arts, and various other corporate and private collections.
In 1978, Jackson published his book, "As I See Ghent: A Visual Essay", depicting the Ghent district of Norfolk, Virginia, where Jackson resided. The book is composed primarily of photographs and drawings done by Jackson and focuses on the details of Ghent that Jackson found inspiring. The book is reminiscent of Jackson's series of paintings, entitled "The Porch People", in which the subjects are anonymous sitters on their porches in Ghent. Jackson died March 23, 1981, at the age of 55. Following Jackson's death, the Chrysler Museum held a three-site retrospective exhibition of his work. A local television station created a tribute, entitled "Wow, Look at That," one of his trademark catch phrases, to commemorate him.
Note written by Mel Frizzell
The contents of this collection include photographs taken and collected by Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson of miscellaneous subjects, as well as photographs of his artwork and excerpts from his poetry. Most of the photographs are copies of the original prints.
The collection is organized into three series: Series I: Artwork; Series II: Photographs; and Series III: Miscellaneous.
As I See Ghent : A Visual Essay, Call #: N 6537.J28 A43
This series contains photographs of artwork done by Jackson. It contains photographs of individual pieces, as well as photos of Jackson's work in a gallery setting.
[Identification of item and date], Box 1, Folder 1, Art, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
[Identification of item and date], Box 1, Folder 2, Art: Untitled, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
[Identification of item and date], Box 1, Folder 3, Negatives: Artwork, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
"Veronica's Veil", circa 1965-1981, Box 2, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
This series contains photographs that were taken by or collected by Jackson of subjects such as places, people, and animals.
Art Students Outside of a House, circa 1965-1981, Box 2, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
Children Painting Outside, circa 1965-1981, Box 3, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
Close-Up of a Man's Face, circa 1965-1981, Box 3, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
Close-Up of a Man's Hand, Playing Pool, circa 1965-1981, Box 3, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
Close-Up of Jackson's Face, circa 1965-1981, Box 3, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
Close-Up of a Woman's Profile, circa 1965-1981, Box 3, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
Close-Up of Two Men's Faces, circa 1965-1981, Box 3, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
Close-Up of Two Men's Faces, circa 1965-1981, Box 3, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
Detail of Balconies on a Building, circa 1965-1981, Box 3, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
Detail of a Shadow on the Side of House, circa 1965-1981, Box 3, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
Headshot of a Woman, circa 1965-1981, Box 3, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
Man at Desk With Rubber Cement, circa 1965-1981, Box 3, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
Man Lying on Bench, circa 1965-1981, Box 3, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
Man on Porch, Martin Rogers, Raleigh, circa 1965-1981, Box 3, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
Student Posing for Figure Drawing, circa 1965-1981, Box 3, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
Three Men Smoking, circa 1965-1981, Box 3, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
Woman at Desk, Doing Crafts, circa 1965-1981, Box 3, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
Woman Looking Off-Camera, circa 1965-1981, Box 3, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
Woman Looking Out of a Window, Church Street, circa 1965-1981, Box 3, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
Woman Smoking, circa 1965-1981, Box 3, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
[Identification of item and date], Box 4, Folder 1, Negatives: Animals and Farm Life, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
[Identification of item and date], Box 4, Folder 2, Negatives: People and Places, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
[Identification of item and date], Box 4, Folder 3, Animals, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
[Identification of item and date], Box 4, Folder 4, Animals, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
[Identification of item and date], Box 4, Folder 5, Farm Life and People, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
[Identification of item and date], Box 4, Folder 6, People, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
[Identification of item and date], Box 4, Folder 7, People, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
[Identification of item and date], Box 4, Folder 8, People, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
[Identification of item and date], Box 4, Folder 9, People, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
[Identification of item and date], Box 4, Folder 10, People, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
[Identification of item and date], Box 4, Folder 11, People and Places, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
[Identification of item and date], Box 4, Folder 12, People and Places, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
[Identification of item and date], Box 4, Folder 13, People and Places, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
[Identification of item and date], Box 4, Folder 14, People and Places, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
[Identification of item and date], Box 4, Folder 15, People and Places, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
[Identification of item and date], Box 5, Folder 1, Peoples and Places, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
[Identification of item and date], Box 5, Folder 2, Peoples and Places, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
[Identification of item and date], Box 5, Folder 3, Peoples and Places, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
[Identification of item and date], Box 5, Folder 4, Peoples and Places, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
[Identification of item and date], Box 5, Folder 5, Peoples and Places, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
[Identification of item and date], Box 5, Folder 6, Peoples and Places, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
This series contains receipts, notes, and writings by or given to Jackson.
[Identification of item and date], Box 5, Folder 7, Notes and Receipts, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
[Identification of item and date], Box 5, Folder 8, Poetry, circa 1965-1981, Alexander Brooks "A.B." Jackson Papers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.