Introduction to Herman ‘Kofi’ Bailey Herman “Kofi” Bailey (1931 – 1981) was an African-American artist who left an indelible mark on the landscape of American art, particularly within the realm of figurative drawing and printmaking. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he cultivated a distinctive artistic vision rooted in both tradition and innovation—a perspective profoundly shaped by his engagement with Pan-Africanism and the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement. Bailey’s journey into art began at Alabama State College where he honed foundational skills before pursuing advanced studies at Howard Univers…