text by Maisie McDermid
LA-based artist and photographer Rossellini Harris did not find a stained chair or finicky electronics at an estate sale last year; he found nearly 100 original oil paintings by an unknown black artist, Robert Lee Greene. After realizing their cultural importance, he moved quickly to acquire the remaining work from Greene’s family. Paintings that had been growing dust now hang proudly in the Ventura County Government Center, celebrating both Greene’s life and Black History Month.
Robert Lee Greene (RL Greene) was an Oxnard-based artist who, as a hobby, captured the legacies of historical Black figures in a large series of portraits. The exhibition of his work, “Gallery of Heroes,” commemorates Black cultural innovators, authors, civil rights pioneers, and more. His abstract and landscape paintings, too, accompany the personal commemorations, boldening the exhibition’s cultural heritage sentiments. The show features private collection pieces and represents the first public display of his artwork in decades.
Born in Charlotte, N.C., Greene served in both the Korean War (1953) and Vietnam War (1963) before ending up in Ventura County for over five decades. He earned a B.S. in psychology and behavioral science from La Verne College and an M.S. in sociology and psychology from the University of La Verne. In addition to his paintings, Greene was a published poet, religious educator, and humanitarian, dedicating his life to community service and personal spiritual development. Ventura County seeks to recognize Greene’s many community-oriented contributions.
The Ventura County Arts Council invited Harris to display Greene’s paintings in their Hall of Administration. The large building accommodates the entirety of the work. “Gallery of Heroes” primarily displays Greene’s many portraits of Black legends— James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, and Matthew Henson, to name a few. Collectively, the art stimulates a power that has also spread on social media.
Accompanying their public viewing, Harris has also creatively showcased individual compositions from the collection on his Instagram. As videos zoom into small details of Greene’s paintings– Angelou’s charm necklace or Baldwin’s grin– Harris’ voice and the voices of special guests share insights on the pieces and their subjects. Here, too, Harris shares notes on the exhibition.
In one video, he tells how Greene’s son arrived at the exhibition with one more of Greene’s paintings tucked under his arm– an extraordinary portrait of Malcolm X. Harris had been aware of its existence, but he thought someone else had bought it at the estate sale. Now, it hangs amongst the other acclaimed portraits. In another video, Harris showcases vibrant posters for the exhibition, available for purchase through his Instagram, with all proceeds going to Black families impacted by the wildfires in the historic Black neighborhood of Altadena.
Amidst the current political climate, the celebration of R.L. Greene’s work feels all the more significant. This show may be the last of its kind in a government building for a while, as Black History Month and DEI initiatives and programs remain under threat. On Instagram, Harris expresses his many hopes that people visit and experience the golden eye of R.L. Greene. “DM me. If I’m available, I’ll give you a private tour!”
R.L’s Greene work will be displayed at the Atrium Gallery of the Ventura County Government Center through February 28, 2025. Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.