Comparing Jonathon Green's Bessie Mae Mural and John Biggers' Origins Mural, both paintings are from the same era and represent African American culture. Bessie Mae by Jonathon Green was created in 1995 and resides at Winston Salem State University. Origins is a mural based on a project requested by Winston-Salem Delta Fine Arts, Inc after a visit to John Biggers' studio in Houston in 1989 ("Delta Arts Center | The Biggers Mural Project by John Biggers", 2014). Although the emphasis of both paintings has the same cultural focus, the similarities and differences in elements can lead to a better understanding of the paintings. Johathon Green and John Biggers are both Southern-born gentlemen who use art as a means to portray the African experience. Green was born in Gardens Corner, South Carolina and raised by elders in a rural community ("African American Art - Jonathan Green", 2014). He grew up listening to tales and stories that had been passed down for generations. The Greens' paintings represent the community as it exists today, expressing African American life and work. John Biggers, however, dedicated his work to expressing the human condition. Born in Gastionia, North Carolina, he studied at Hampton Institute, and later attended Pennsylvania State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science, a Master's and a Doctorate ("John Biggers - Biography", 2014). Both artists draw from their African heritage and express those feelings including the Southern experience. Bessie Mae is printed on pure silk and measures 42 x 31 inches (“Artist,” 2014). Origins is painted on a custom canvas made of three 5 x 30 foot strips (“Delta Arts Center | The Biggers Mural Project by John Biggers,” 2014). The size of the Origin makes it difficult to see a...... middle of paper......Zionism and the work they show is different. The texture, balance and use of color are unique to their personalities and experiences. Works Cited “African American Art – Jonathan Green.” African American Art – Jonathan Green. MOJOPortfolio and Web. April 29, 2014. "Artists". Jonathan Green Studios. Jonathan Green Studios, Inc, January 1, 2014. Web. April 29, 2014.."Delta Arts Center | The Biggers Mural Project by John Biggers." Delta Arts Center. WinstonSalem Delta Arts Center, January 1, 2014. Web. April 29, 2014.."John Biggers - Biography." John Biggers - Biography. Ro Gallery, 1 January 2014. Web. 29 April.2014. .