Local Arlington native and artist Allen “Big Al” Carter was known for painting the life around him and the universal complications that penetrate society as a whole.
“I believe he painted what he was passionate about,” says daughter Flora O. Stone. “He was very much a people person. He was lively, very humorous and you’ll see he has lots of portraits in his artwork of different people, mostly African-Americans.”
Big Al, who died in 2008, is being celebrated this month at the Fred Schnider Gallery of Art in Arlington. The exhibit, titled “Big Al Carter: A Retrospective,” showcases rarely seen artwork from his daughters’ (residents of Stafford and Fredericksburg) private collections, with several pieces available for sale.
“We were contacted by artist David Carlson, and we did our research, and with the connections that were already there, it just made sense that we would work together and utilize the Fred Schnider Gallery of Art to exhibit his work,” says daughter Cecilia Carter.
On display during Black History Month, Big Al’s work depicts African-American society through a unique visual perspective, showcasing the emotions of everyday people. His artwork includes paintings, prints, sculptures, murals and more.
“I feel like the exhibit and his work reflect everything that he’s been through, what he’s seen, and what other people have been through and seen,” says Stone.
“He paints poor people, he paints people who are fishing or people who are having dinner at the table. It goes to represent his self. It’s very vast,” says Carter.
Big Al was also a teacher in the Northern Virginia area at local schools and learning centers.
“He did instill in us: although no matter what you have in life, there’s always someone else who might need, and you’re there to help and assist,” says Stone. “He taught that to his students as well, and you see it through his teaching. He was very relatable to the students … He was able to talk to them, probably in a way that others couldn’t, that would instill a sense of pride in them, a sense of helping others and being grateful.”
“Big Al Carter: A Retrospective” is on display until March 3. It is the first exhibit in the DC area since his passing.
“The exhibit is definitely worth coming to take a look at,” says Stone. “Experience the Big Al artwork and exhibit to see how it makes you feel—just to get to have that feeling, since he’s no longer with us. I think people will sense his bigger-than-life personality in his artwork.”
The exhibit at Fred Schnider Gallery of Art is available for viewing Wednesdays-Sundays, from noon-5 p.m. Big Al’s work is also on permanent exhibit at the Smithsonian and the Corcoran Gallery of Art. // Fred Schnider Gallery of Art: 888 N. Quincy St., Suite 102, Arlington; Free
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