Untitled [Linoleum Imprint]

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Untitled [Linoleum Imprint] is a vibrantly colored drawing that contains clear imprints from the linoleum floor that McMoore would lay down on to draw. This texture makes a visually exciting pattern while also suggesting McMoore’s carefree urge to draw on any available surface. It thus exemplifies the appeal of “Art Brut” or “Outsider Art,” championed by fellow artists such as Jean Dubuffet. Notably, this is shorter than a typical McMoore scroll, which can exceed 50 feet. This shorter size will allow AAM to display it on a variety of walls within the permanent collection galleries. As is typical of most of McMoore’s artwork, this scroll depicts a funeral scene. Alfred McMoore attended thousands of funerals for residents of Akron and its surrounding areas, and almost all the deceased were strangers to him. When asked why he went to so many funerals and depicted them constantly in his artwork, McMoore simply responded that funerals were his “favorite sport.” Stewart & Calhoun funeral home (previously Stewart, Calhoun & Black) was on the same street as McMoore’s apartment, and the location appears quite frequently in his drawings. McMoore attended funerals in a nice suit (or, more accurately, several nice suits at the same time), joined the receiving line, and expressed genuine empathy for the death of a stranger, crying real tears. It is likely that he loved the ritual of a funeral, knowing what steps to take and being welcomed to attend. There is a consistency in churches and funeral homes, from décor and dress codes to behavior and expectations. McMoore doubtless also appreciated the opportunity to express strong emotions and the catharsis of tears, which are not always encouraged in other public settings. Funerals may have also been a social space for McMoore, where he could listen to talented singers and musicians, and teach some of the children in attendance how to draw.