“Seeking Respite”

In 1969, at the height of the Black Liberation and Black Arts Movement, Neal wrote that “sometimes in seeking respite” from his anger about discrimination against African Americans, he “explored the beauty of Black women and children. Other times I try to show through paintings of bridges, houses and still life what the human hand is capable of in the brief period between its destructive endeavors.”

An accomplished pool player, Neal felt that playing pool kept him in touch with regular people. “As an artist, your role in society is defined … by those who patronize and support you. … I like the game of pool. It keeps be from being held captive.”