For sale is one of several original rare artworks by the early civil rights activist, artist, and noted American jazz tenor and soprano saxophonist, Marzette Watts (1938 - 1998)

After art school in New York Watts left for France in 1962 and then returned to New York and becoming a part of the very eclectic jazz scene. The early artworks he created were stored away for many years up until recently, when they were rediscovered in an estate of a family member.

This drawing was done in 1961 most likely when he was an art student in NYC after leaving Alabama in 1960 for New York

This drawing is an ink wash on paper and It features a modernist style view of an room interior with a table, chairs and flower vases. The view could be looking towards an outside window, but we are unsure as the artwork is both modernist and somewhat abstract in construction.

Signed and dated 1961 by the artist and with the Marzette Watts estate stamp and catalogue reference number on reverse.

This drawing can be found in the catalogue that was made for the sale of these artworks. (See picture). The catalogue shown in our photos is not part of the sale. The catalogue is available for purchase ($40) from the estatate auction house that handled the Marzette Watts art sale. Please inquire should you want more information.

Condition: This was not stored properly for longevity so there is age appropriate wear. The edges with bends and small edge tears. Large but clean vertical tear on bottom middle. Fragile edges with some losses. Some age related toning. The viewable image being in good condition. Should go to a paper restorer for proper conservation. SEE ALL PICS FOR CONDITION.

Should frame up good when repaired.

SHIPS CAREFULLY ROLLED IN LARGE SIZE SHIPPING TUBE. USPS PRIORITY MAIL.

Measurements: 27" x 18 1/2" (approximately)

Unframed

Marzette Watts (1938 - 1998)

In 1960, after participating in the historic lunch counter sit-in at the Montgomery, Alabama courthouse, Marzette Watts found himself expelled from Alabama State College. Faced with intimidation from both law enforcement and the Ku Klux Klan, Marzette, a founding member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, made the life-altering decision to leave Alabama behind and embark on a new chapter in New York City.

Having been an art major at ASC, Watts continued his creative journey by enrolling at New York University (NYU), where he had the opportunity to study under the guidance of famed Amistad muralist Hale Woodruff. His pursuit of knowledge and culture also took him to the Sorbonne in France, where he further honed his artistic sensibilities.

Upon settling into the vibrant community of 27 Cooper Square in Manhattan, Marzette Watts became a part of an eclectic circle that included luminaries such as Le Roi Jones, Allen Ginsberg, Larry Rivers, and Free Jazz innovator Archie Shepp. The fervent activism of the Free Jazz movement would ultimately redirect Marzette’s creative genius from the realm of painting to the world of music.

During this transformative period, he forged a close friendship with Lawrence Weiner, with whom he collaborated on soundtracks. Subsequently, Marzette ventured into the music industry by establishing his own recording companies and, in time, found himself sharing his knowledge as an educator at Wesleyan University.