Tom Feelings was an American artist, illustrator, and author whose work explored themes of African and African American identity and history. His portraits often focus on the African diaspora, depicting people of all ages with a quiet intensity and deep reverence.
Unlike traditional portraiture that might emphasize status or individual achievement, Feelings' work is rooted in communal experience and shared heritage. His portraits frequently celebrate ordinary people whose stories and faces reflect the ongoing narrative of Black life across time and place. Throughout his career, Feelings used portraiture not just to document faces, but to challenge perceptions and inspire pride, especially for young readers and students encountering his work in books and classrooms.
