Simon Bull (British-born in 1958, American citizen in 2011). "Muhammad Ali Reflections CXLIV" mixed media on canvas, 2008. Hand-signed by both Muhammad Ali and Simon Bull. A large scale mixed media composition depicting the iconic visage of American professional boxer Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay, 1942-2016). Nicknamed "The Greatest", Ali was among the best heavyweight boxers of all time, famous for entering the ring with Joe Frazier (Fight of the Century and Thrilla in Manila) and George Foreman (The Rumble in the Jungle). However, Ali was also known for his witty spoken word poetry and his political activism (opposing U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War and championing the Civil Rights Movement). This portrait is a hand-painted giclee on canvas. It is part of a series, and each work in the series is unique. In 2009, a work from this series was acquired by the collection of The Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Size: 27" L x 36" W (68.6 cm x 91.4 cm) Size of frame: 36.25" L x 45.25" W (92.1 cm x 114.9 cm)
Simon Bull earned a BA in Fine Art with honors from Leeds Polytechnic in 1980. He studied under Norman Webster and Norman Ackroyd. Bull was invited to create a series of paintings celebrating Muhammed Ali in 2007 - and in 2009, Muhammad Ali commissioned Bull to paint portrait of President Barack Obama. According to Bull's website, "His two joint portraits of Barack Obama and Muhammad Ali were unveiled at the Kentucky Bluegrass Ball on the eve of the Presidential Inauguration in Washington DC by actress Ashley Judd."
Please note, this piece was hand-signed by both Muhammad Ali and Simon Bull on the lower left. Furthermore, when this work was signed by Muhammad Ali, the unique signature was digitally photographed by OnlineAuthentics.
In addition, this piece will be accompanied by a signed copy of "Journey: The Art of Simon Bull" by Simon Bull (2016).
Provenance: private R. H. collection, Littleton, Colorado, USA
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#166882
Condition
Artwork and frame are in overall excellent condition. Hand-signed by both Muhammad Ali and Simon Bull on the lower left. Titled by the artist with number from the series on the verso.