William Tolliver

William Tolliver (December 17, 1951 – September 1, 2000) was an American painter and printmaker known for his self-taught mastery of diverse media and his contributions to contemporary African American art. Working across oil, acrylic, watercolor, and oil pastel, Tolliver developed a style he categorized as "representational abstract expressionism." His work frequently highlighted Southern Black labor, jazz and blues musicians, and rural landscapes.

Early life Tolliver was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, one of fourteen children.

Death and legacy Tolliver died of a heart attack on September 1, 2000, at a hospital in Atlanta at the age of 48.

Permanent collections Tolliver's works are held in several notable permanent public museum and institutional collections, including: New Orleans Museum of Art Corcoran Gallery of Art Zigler Art Museum McKissick Museum