Some his first incursions into the art world began with Donaldson’s rendering of cartoons and comic books images. His exploration of this genre helped to fuel his life-long passion for the arts and develop his artistic voice. Donaldson’s style, owed in part to his interest in Afrocentricity, was fomented under the tutelage of his mentors John Howard and Hale Woodruff.

After graduating with a Masters Degree in Fine Arts from the Institute of Design of the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, Donaldson obtained a Ph.D. in African and African American Art History from Northwestern University. Through his career, Donaldson was involved with advocacy. He and other members of the arts community from the Organization of Black American Culture (OBAC), a collective Donaldson helped form in Chicago. One of the group’s most memorable efforts included collaborating on “The Wall of Respect,” a 1967 mural that celebrated the historical achievements of African Americans. The Wall was transformative—it sparked a movement. Throughout the 1970’s, other marginalized communities emulated OBAC’s efforts---painting outdoor murals in several U.S. cities.

Donaldson, along with Wadsorth Jarrell, Barbara Jones-Hogu, and other African American artists, is also credited with founding AfriCobra (an acronym for African Commune of Bad Relevant Artists) in Chicago. One of the group’s ideological aspirations was to establish a new African American aesthetic that resonated with AfriCobra’s emphasis on social responsibility, involvement of artists in their local communities, and promotion of pride in Black self-identity. “Arguably one of the most influential artist groups associated with the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 1970s in the United States, AfriCOBRA continues its work today.” Donaldson characterized the art of the AfriCobra as “superreal” or “fantastical.” Key AfriCobra design elements include a stunning command of color, poly-rhythmic forms and patternization, and African inspired motifs infused with figurative elements and opt art tendencies.

Donaldson, a prolific artist, participated in over 200 group and solo exhibitions in galleries and museums in Africa, Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and the United States. He also held several leadership positions including serving as Vice President of the Board of Directors of The Barnes Foundation and as dean of Howard University’s College of Fine Arts.

Jeff Donaldson passed away at the age of 71.