A member of the Whitehall High School Class of 1997 returned to his alma mater Feb. 15 to give an art talk to students, teachers and members of the community.

WHS graduate Bart Cooper was born in Liberia and raised in America. He is now known as a multidimensional contemporary artist.

Cooper is in town to display his “Heroes: My Heroes Have Real Superpowers” series, which will be on display through May 22 at ArtsQuest Center in Bethlehem. This series is a reflection on the disparity between our culture’s obsession with pop culture’s fictitious heroes, rather than those who actually existed.

The heroes portrayed in this collection are Lucy Parsons, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Winnie Mandela, Rosa Parks, Angela Davis, Nina Simone, Oprah Winfrey, Madam C.J. Walker and Henrietta Lacks. Cooper connected each of these women with a popular superhero.

For example, young Winfrey, like Captain America, had to endure many trials and tribulations to become the hero many see her as today.

Walker is compared with Batman. At the time of her death in 1919, she was the wealthiest self-made woman in America. She used her wealth to create opportunities in her community - to “fight crime” in the community.

Cooper also discussed his “Purple” series. He explored purple as an indicator of royalty, prestige, power and luxury. The recurring theme among this series is people who exude a deeper understanding and harmony within themselves.

He spoke about his portrayals of rapper Nipsey Hussle and Malcolm X. Cooper put these two together because Hussle was reportedly inspired by Malcolm X and both died young before seeing what would become of their efforts.

Cooper’s “Fame” series is his take on Andy Warhol’s famous Marilyn Monroe portraits. Cooper chose Kayne West as the subject because he feels West speaks to us now similarly to how Monroe did back then.

The multiple colors represent West’s different emotions. Cooper also reported using West because he and Monroe reportedly hid their struggles with mental health due to their fame.

According to Cooper’s website, he has a new series, titled “DNA,” coming soon.

Learn more about Cooper and his art at bartcooperart.com.