John Wilson and Dana Chandler: Art, Scholarship & Friendship

Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

The late John Wilson (1922-2015) and my father, Dana C. Chandler (1941-), Jr. had a 30-year friendship. The connection and the influences it had on each artist's work became part of an essay by Leslie King Hammond for the book, "John Wilson Witness Humanity" published by the MFA, Boston, which holds works of both artists in its collection. This blog post is part of the story of that friendship.

The relationship between visual artists, Dana C. Chandler, Jr. and John Wilson transcended mere professional collaboration. Both revered figures in the landscape of Black American art, their friendship grew from mutual respect, intellectual exchange, and a common commitment to using art as a powerful voice against racial injustice. 

Reflecting on their years of friendship, Chandler recalls vividly how their shared journey was anchored deeply in their lived experiences as Black artists navigating the challenging racial climate of 20th- and 21st- century America.

Both born and raised in Roxbury, MA, Chandler and Wilson emerged from this robust yet challenging Black neighborhood in Boston. 

Both would be educated in schools there, Chandler at what was then Boston Technical High and the Massachusetts College of Art and Design where he received his bachelor of science in teacher education in 1967. He received an alumni award from MassArt in 2018.

Wilson as a student at Roxbury Memorial High School and graduated from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in 1945. He received his bachelor of science in education at Tufts University in 1947. Their experiences shaped their worldviews and artistic identities profoundly. 

Chandler explains, "John and I both grew up in an environment where being Black meant confronting a world of restrictions. But Boston also gave us a culture of resilience and creativity—something that bonded us immediately." 

Their early life experiences forged a strong bond and laid the foundation for their enduring friendship, providing common ground from which they would build their professional and personal relationship.

Despite their 20-year age difference, central to their friendship was a profound mutual admiration, with each artist influencing the other significantly. 

Chandler expressed deep respect for Wilson’s technical mastery and emotional depth. Reflecting on Wilson's meticulous approach, Chandler notes, "John had this ability to make emotion tangible through his meticulous technique—something I deeply respected and often tried to emulate in my own way." 

Conversely, Wilson was drawn to Chandler's bold activism and direct confrontations with institutional racism. Chandler remembers, "John would say my work confronted audiences directly, making them face what they'd prefer to ignore. That mutual respect made our critiques meaningful."

Their friendship thrived on intellectual synergy, marked by rigorous and ongoing conversations that delved deeply into philosophy, art, politics, and scholarship. 

Chandler reflects fondly on this aspect of their relationship, saying, "Our conversations were never superficial. John and I constantly exchanged ideas—artistic, philosophical, political—each pushing the other deeper into intellectual territory." 

Wilson's structured and philosophical insights deeply influenced Chandler's scholarly pursuits. Chandler credits Wilson for enhancing his intellectual rigor, stating, "John encouraged me to develop intellectual discipline and clarity in my thoughts. His rigor significantly shaped my approach to scholarship."

Though distinct in their artistic expressions—Wilson renowned for his sculptures and prints, Chandler acclaimed for his powerful paintings and installations—they both saw art as a profound testimony of human dignity, racial struggle, and societal truths. 

Chandler emphasizes this unity of purpose clearly: "We both knew our art had a duty—to witness, record, and resist. John’s sculptures and my paintings may have looked different, but our purpose was identical." 

Their art served as a historical record and a tool for activism, deeply rooted in their shared conviction that art must confront and document reality courageously.

The strength of their friendship extended well beyond the boundaries of professional collaboration. The personal trust and emotional connection they developed enriched their professional interactions immeasurably. Chandler warmly remembers of these interactions, "We spent countless hours talking about life, family, and struggles. 

Those personal exchanges made our professional discussions richer, more meaningful." These intimate conversations not only deepened their friendship but also provided a supportive space where each could critically engage with the other's work, fostering mutual artistic growth.

Both artists were also professors, deeply committed to educating the next generation of artists as humans. Chandler, who'd wanted to be a professor since childhood, taught African and African America Art History, painting, and Intaglio printing at Simmons University for 34 years from 1970 to 2004. He received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from the university in 2022. Wilson was a professor in the College of Fine Arts at Boston University from 1964 to 1986.  

Both educators understood their responsibility to guide and mentor the next generation of Black artists, instilling in them the confidence to use their art as instruments for change. Chandler mentored younger professional artists through the program he founded in 1978, the African American Master Artist-in-Residence Program (AAMARP), which he directed until 1993.

Chandler emphasizes this aspect of their relationship greatly. "John and I believed deeply in passing our knowledge forward. We both took joy in mentoring younger artists, understanding clearly that our true legacy lies in their future." 

Their commitment to mentorship continues to ripple through the artistic community, particularly Boston's, reinforcing their legacy as figures who significantly shaped the course of Black American art history.

The profound friendship and professional association between Wilson and Chandler highlight how collaborative relationships between artists can create lasting affects. 

Rooted in shared experiences, mutual respect, and intellectual camaraderie, their bond exemplifies the transformative power of friendship in Black art world. 

Their relationship remains a powerful example for contemporary artists, illustrating vividly that meaningful artistic and social change often flourishes from deeply personal connections.

© 2025. Dahna M. Chandler for ChandArts Media, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this post may be reproduced, reposted, or used for AI/LLM training without the author’s express written permission.

Photo: John Wilson's "Eternal Presence," as shown on the grounds of the National Center of Afro-American Artists where it was installed in 1987. Learn more about the sculpture and its meaning to Boston’s Black community here.