Capturing scenes from daily life on unconventional canvases such as cupboard doors and paper plates was not unique to Maud Lewis in Nova Scotia. Another artist, Harold Cromwell, who lived nearby and pushed the boundaries of folk art, created a significant body of work during the same era. While Lewis gained national acclaim for her paintings of black cats and harbor scenes, Cromwell’s unique approach to art is now being highlighted in the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia’s first solo exhibition of his drawings titled On the Matter of Memory: The Drawings of Harold Cromwell, running until September 13.
Born in 1919 in Weymouth Falls, Nova Scotia, Cromwell, a descendant of Black loyalists, depicted rural working-class life through detailed pen drawings. His work was well-loved regionally, with many pieces sold at the Annapolis Farmer’s Market for a modest price. Despite his prolific output, Cromwell’s art was not widely recognized as historically significant during his lifetime due to his use of everyday materials and the regional austerity of the time.
Audrey Sandford, owner of the Black Sheep Gallery, a renowned folk art gallery featuring prominent maritime artists like Lewis and Cromwell, emphasized the importance of Cromwell’s work reaching a wider audience. Sandford noted that Cromwell’s distinctive style, characterized by intricate etchings rather than bright colors and solid shapes, sets him apart from other folk artists. Although Cromwell’s art was not prominently featured in previous exhibitions, his unique perspective and detailed drawings have garnered attention.
Despite his wish to be recognized solely for his art, Cromwell remains Nova Scotia’s only prominent Black folk artist. His preferred medium, the Bic pen, was a constant in his artistic process, evident in the intricate details of his enlarged drawings exhibited at the gallery. Particularly noteworthy are Cromwell’s drawings on used paper plates, showcasing scenes of daily life and landscapes with remarkable finesse.
From depictions of berry picking to scenes of economic challenges, Cromwell’s art captures the essence of Nova Scotian life with a mix of beauty and hardship. His ability to find beauty in everyday moments sets his work apart in the folk art landscape of his time. The exhibition offers a unique insight into rural Nova Scotia during the early 20th century through Cromwell’s drawings, inviting viewers to explore the nuances and experience the essence of that era.
For those interested in experiencing Cromwell’s art firsthand, the exhibition On the Matter of Memory: The Drawings of Harold Cromwell will be on display at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in Halifax until September 13.
