Artist Romare Bearden (left) and former assistant Andre Thibault (a.k.a. Teabo) in Bearden’s studio in 1986. The two had just completed Storyville Mirror, their first work together.

Bearden, Teabo, and Bearden’s close friend Russell Goings in the studio in the 1980s. Goings, who first befriended Bearden in the 1960s, became Bearden’s caretaker after the artist was diagnosed with bone cancer later in life.

Bearden and his wife Nanette, right after Bearden finished work on Eden Midnight in 1987.

More than 20 years after Bearden’s death, Goings’ living room is full of Bearden’s work, including First Circus (1956).

Goings with Bearden’s Conjur Woman (c1977).

As Bearden's health began to deteriorate, Goings started recording their visits to document the time they had left. He has 30 hours of tape.

Goings with some of Teabo’s art.

Teabo holds a magazine Bearden signed for him the night they met. In 1980, Teabo, an aspiring collage artist who idolized Bearden, snuck into one of Bearden’s shows by pretending to be a delivery man. That night he got Bearden’s autograph — and phone number — and soon became his apprentice.

Later, Bearden autographed this work jumpsuit for Teabo.

Teabo holds a self-portrait sketched by Bearden.