23 LC 112 1737
Senate Resolution 13EX
By: Senator Halpern of the 39th
A RESOLUTION
Celebrating the life and artistic legacy of Radcliffe Bailey; and for other purposes.
1
WHEREAS, Radcliffe Bailey, an esteemed American contemporary visual artist, left an2
indelible mark on the world of art through his profound exploration of African American3
history, utilizing mixed-media, paint, and sculpture to convey powerful narratives; and4
WHEREAS, born on November 25, 1968, in Bridgeton, New Jersey, Radcliffe Bailey's5
artistic journey was deeply influenced by his early relocation to Atlanta, Georgia, at the age6
of four, where childhood visits to the High Museum of Art and drawing classes at the Atlanta7
College of Art ignited his passion for the arts; and8
WHEREAS, Radcliffe Bailey's commitment to artistic expression led him to attain a9
Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1991 from the Atlanta College of Art, and subsequently, he shared10
his knowledge and passion as a teacher at the Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University11
of Georgia from 2001 to 2006; and12
WHEREAS, Radcliffe Bailey's artistic prowess transcended traditional boundaries as he13
seamlessly integrated painting and sculpture, utilizing unconventional materials such as14
S. R. 13EX
- 1 - 23 LC 112 1737
vintage photographs, vinyl records, piano keys, and bottle caps to explore the intersections
15
of ancestry, race, and cultural memory; and16
WHEREAS, his notable large-scale installation, Windward Coast (2009-2011), was17
showcased at the First International Biennial of Contemporary Art of Cartagena de Indias in18
Colombia, and his artistic contributions were duly recognized with the Joan Mitchell19
Foundation Grant in 2008 and the Elizabeth and Mallory Factory Prize for Southern Art in20
2010; and21
WHEREAS, Radcliffe Bailey's life journey took an unfortunate turn as he battled brain22
cancer with resilience and courage, ultimately passing away on November 14, 2023, in23
Atlanta, Georgia, leaving a void in the art world but a profound legacy that will continue to24
inspire generations to come; and25
WHEREAS, Radcliffe Bailey, aged 54 at the time of his passing, will be remembered not26
only for his artistic brilliance but also for the love and dedication he brought to his family,27
leaving behind a lasting impact on the artistic and cultural landscape of Atlanta, Georgia, and28
beyond.29
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body30
celebrate and honor the life, artistic contributions, and legacy of Radcliffe Bailey;31
acknowledge his significant impact on the world of contemporary art; and express our32
deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the artistic community.33
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed34
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the family of35
Radcliffe Bailey.36
S. R. 13EX
- 2 -