Artist Lorenzo D. Turner Jr. continues a legacy

Artist Lorenzo D. Turner Jr. is continuing the cultural legacy of his father, who was a member of Roosevelt University's faculty and taught at Howard University. Turner did research on the Gullah language and compared its structure with Africa and the Islands off the coast of South Carolina and Georgia.

Although the younger Turner's expertise isn't in language, it is fantastic that he is visually recording the aspects of life through art.

Turner is currently illustrating the "Folktales of Africa" from his father's writings and working with his mother on a biography of his life. he is also working in abstract styles where his interest is at the present time. Another style he has perfected is pencil drawings.

Turner graduated from DuSable High School where he was also influenced by Dr. Margaret Burroughs, who taught at DuSable High School.

After leaving DuSable he attended the Art Institute for three years on scholarship. He attended evenings classes during the summers. He was involved with the Raymond Fund for two and a half years.

In 1964, Lorenzo joined the United States Marine Corps. He returned to the Chicago Art Institute in 1968. In the meantime, he worked, using his marketing skills and accepting commissions.

Later in the '70s he became interested in abstract modern styles. He worked, on various projects.

Realizing the importance of his father's contribution to education, Turner turned his attention to of art from Africa, the artifacts and carvings.

Photograph (Lorenzo D. Turner, Jr.)