This powerful work by legendary Miami outsider artist Purvis Young (1943–2010) exemplifies his expressive, raw "Urban Expressionism" style. The piece centers on a stylized, crying figure or angel floating above a densely packed, grid-like cityscape of towering buildings and abstract urban figures.

True to Young’s signature vernacular technique, the central canvas is framed by a collage of found-object border panels covered in his distinctive, rhythmic, calligraphic brushstrokes. The piece is executed in an earthy, vibrant color palette dominated by shades of yellow, green, and cream, punctuated by deep reds and blacks. The work is hand-signed by the artist in the upper right-hand quadrant of the central scene.

(Note: The metallic weights seen at the four corners are temporary styling elements used to hold the piece flat for photography and are not part of the artwork).

Item Details

• Artist: Purvis Young (American, 1943–2010)

• Title: Tears of the Angels (alternatively referenced as Tears of the Angel)

• Year of Production: 1998

• Dimensions: 35 inches x 27 inches

• Medium: Mixed Media Collage / Painting

• Style: Outsider Art / Social Expressionism

• Signature: Hand-signed by the artist in marker

• Core Themes: Urban struggle, spirituality, angel motifs, and socio-political commentary

Keywords

Purvis Young, Miami Outsider Art, Overtown Art, Urban Expressionism, African American Contemporary Art, Social Expressionism, Angel Painting, Mixed Media Collage, 1990s Fine Art, Raw Art, Found Object Art, Folk Art, Spiritual Art, Hand-Signed.