A NEW ERA OF IMMERSION: CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF ERNIE BARNES
THROUGH FILM, ART AND MULTI-SENSORY STORYTELLING

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the 1976 iconic painting The Sugar Shack by Ernie Barnes that sold at auction in 2022 for over $15 million and has generated over one billion impressions worldwide.

In celebration of this milestone, a groundbreaking project brings Barnes' life, philosophy and artistic legacy to audiences through a feature documentary and multi-city immersive experience titled “Who Is Ernie Barnes?”

Directed by the award-winning filmmakers Coodie & Chike, the project has been decades in the making. Coodie Simmons began filming Barnes in 2003 and, following his passing in 2009, continued his relationship with the Barnes estate. The film draws on Barnes' own words, rare archival footage and commentary from influential voices across art, music, sports, dance and entertainment – each reflecting on Barnes’ enduring impact.

“This film shows a glimpse of Ernie Barnes’ dedication and his remarkable journey, answering why he is the most interesting American painter of the 20th century,” says Luz Rodriguez, Barnes’ longtime assistant and managing director of his estate.

A Three-Act Immersive Experience

The two-hour film is shown in three distinct portions. Guests begin by watching each segment in a specially-designed “theatre,” all representing environments pertinent to Barnes’ career. After the shows, the guests enter respective curated “rooms” that showcase Barnes’ artistic life.

National Rollout

The show is scheduled to debut next year in Los Angeles during Super Bowl LXI before traveling to Chicago and New York. It will return to Barnes’ adopted hometown for the LA28 Summer Olympics.

A Personal Story for the Filmmakers

"You can't let your imagination get in the way of God's manifestation,” says Coodie Simmons. “I dreamed of having Ernie Barnes paintings on my walls, and then I looked up and I was documenting his artistic process in real life."

Chike Ozah adds, “I remember looking at his work as a kid and feeling something I'd never felt before -- like I had to chase that. His art set the bar for what I thought was possible. In a lot of ways, I've been chasing Ernie Barnes my whole life. Telling his story now feels like a full circle."

Music and Merchandise

Multi-Grammy Award-winning artist PJ Morton is producing the film’s soundtrack and the accompanying music album. An exclusive collaboration with Just·Don will provide official merchandise.

ABOUT ERNIE BARNES

Ernie Barnes (1938–2009) is the first American professional athlete to achieve major recognition as a visual artist. Born in Durham, North Carolina during the height of Jim Crow, Barnes attended North Carolina College (now NCCU) on an athletic scholarship and majored in art.

Drafted into professional football in 1960, Barnes played five seasons as an offensive lineman with the Titans of New York, San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos. In 2014, his beloved painting The Bench was presented to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for their permanent collection.

Renowned for his ability to capture movement and emotional energy, Barnes received numerous honors, including being named Sports Artist of the 1984 Olympic Games. His work is held in major museums, galleries and private collections.

ABOUT THE DIRECTORS

Chicagoan Coodie Simmons and New Orleans native Chike Ozah are acclaimed filmmakers known for their impactful storytelling. Their credits include the notable documentaries jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy (Sundance World Premiere, Emmy Nomination, Grierson Award: Best Music Documentary), the ESPN 30 for 30 Benji (Tribeca Gala Film), and Muhammad Ali: The People's Champ, which earned an NAACP Image Award.

THE TEAM

Directors: Coodie & Chike,Creative Control
Ernie Barnes Estate:  Luz Rodriguez
Executive Producers:  Deon Cole, Kevin Thomson, Greg Griffin
Co-Executive Producers:Tesa Aragones, AS王ANCY, Kenny “Kool” Clay, Michele Wallace
Production:  Charleen's Boy Productions, Marjorie Clarke, Tracey Smith