In 1977, within the solemn walls of Attica prison, I met Oliver Johnson. Our cells stood side by side, and from that close distance, I came to witness a man I knew in my heart was a Master Artist. Yes, Oliver was the inmate  art instructor—yet more than a teacher, but rather an example – a light. And even while watching him work on his own exquisite masterpieces, they became an extension of his teachings to us. 

When he was released, his vision found its rightful place in the world. His paintings graced galleries throughout America and Europe, resting in the hands of Prominent Art Collectors whose names echo with recognition—Oprah Winfrey, Susan Taylor, former Governor, Nelson Rockefeller, Malcolm Forbes, Ken Chenault, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Fred Woolworth, Benny Goodman, 
Duke Ellington, and yes, I am honored to be on this list as well.  
  
I remember standing beside him at an exhibit at Peg Alston Gallery, watching as people clung to  his works in awe. My eyes, like theirs, were transfixed—captured by the contrast in color, causing the image to somewhat flow off the canvas.  

  Just before Oliver made his spiritual transition, he was awarded with the honor to place a portrait he did of Vernon Jordan at the  National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. 
He also have a painting that permanently hang in the Whitney Museum in New York City, Studio Museum in Harlem and the Schomberg Library in Harlem. Despite these institutional addolades, Brother Oliver remains significantly underrated in the private secondary market. It is time the world recognizes the full depth of his contribution to the art world of the mid-70s, up until his transition. 
By sharing our story, I hope to encourage fellow collectors- who have featured works by Oliver, to join in with me incelebrating and re-evaluating this African American artist, the predecessor to Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kerry James Marshall, and Jeff Koons to name a few.  
    In memory of Oliver Johnson, our dear friend, mentor and art instructor, I am on a national tour to promote his legacy . 
We  dedicate this page to him, highlighting a few connecting links of his great contributions to the art world.