Ta-coumba Aiken

Painter Ta-coumba Aiken draws from his African-American heritage. More

St. Paul painter Ta-coumba Aiken is the force behind some of Minnesota’s most beloved and acclaimed public artworks, including the Jax/Gillette Children’s Hospital mural, the Minneapolis Central Library’s tile fireplace, and the north side’s Pilot City murals project. A 13 foot childhood fall skewed his color perception; the resulting variety of tone and contrasting colors in his work have become hallmarks of Ta-coumba’s eye-catching style and perspective. Working from black and white outlines, he describes his process of coloration and shape building as “spirit writing”, and his usage of repeating imagery as “rhythm patterns”. Aiken’s engaging, intimate creativity and community commitment make him a truly original and irreplaceable Minnesota cultural figure.

AIR DATE 4/14/12