Carl Latimer

Carl Raleigh Latimer was an African-American abstract expressionist painter, sculptor, and actor who spent much of his life in Italy, France, and Denmark. Born in Saint Croix, Danish West Indies, in 1913, he moved to New York with his family in 1919. Latimer’s artistic journey began early, winning a local drawing competition at age 8. He studied at the American National Academy School of Fine Arts and later at the Ossip Zadkine Studio of Modern Sculpture and Drawing in Paris. Latimer’s career spanned various artistic disciplines, including roles in Italian cinema from 1959 to 1964 and a significant body of work in abstract expressionism and geometric abstraction. Known for his vibrant use of color and dynamic compositions, Latimer’s work often carried political titles reflecting his views on civil rights and social issues.

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Besides his accomplishments in the visual arts, Carl Latimer had a cinematic career in Italy, appearing in 11 Italian movies and one TV show between 1959 and 1964, including roles in films directed by Federico Fellini and starring alongside Anthony Quinn and Jack Palance. His impressive physique and background in dancing and stunt work contributed to his success in the Italian film industry.

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