“I remember thinking that Adolph Gottlieb must be Black. His Pictographs paintings were reminiscent of African masks, but it turns out that Gottlieb was just another white art dude, and, according to the Guggenheim Museum website, if “Gottlieb discovered that a symbol had a recognizable meaning within either Western or tribal art, he immediately removed it from his painting vocabulary as part of his quest for a collective unconscious.” (pg. 9)
Kimberly Drew highlights the issue of cultural appropriation in the art world. The initial assumption that Adolph Gottlieb was black because his pictographs resembled African masks shows how frequently artists from marginalized cultures are overlooked in favor of white artists who borrow their visual language. Gottlieb’s deliberate removal of symbols with recognizable meanings suggests a desire to distance his work from specific cultural associations, aiming for a more abstract "collective unconscious." However, this raises questions about authenticity and respect, as it often erases the original cultural significance of the symbols he appropriated.
“Being Black in America is frequently measured against the proximity of death”(pg.15)
This quote speaks to the reality of being black in America, where daily life is often shaped by the threat of violence, discrimination, and injustices. It sheds some light on how the black experience is constantly overshadowed by fear and danger, highlighting how systemic racism and inequality can put black lives at risk. It points to a society where survival is not just about living but also about navigating and resisting these constant threats.
“ Our activism, like any other part of ourselves, develops into something bigger than a singular experience. Activism is a collective action and an investment in the lives of other people.” (Pg.21)
This quote shows that activism is more than just one person’s actions and it becomes a bigger movement that affects many people. It’s about working together with others to make a difference and improve lives. Activism is like an investment in helping other people, and when we act as a group, our efforts can create real change for everyone.
Hank Willis Thomas, Scarred Chest (2003)."Scarred Chest" by Hank Willis Thomas is a powerful image that reveals the painful history of how Black bodies have been exploited throughout history. The photograph’s focus on the scars directly links the brutal treatment of enslaved black people to the modern commodification of Black athletes in sports. It highlights how, even today, there’s still a system that profits off their bodies. It’s like a reminder that the struggle for freedom and respect isn’t over, it just looks different now.
The image’s impact comes from how it forces viewers to confront the uncomfortable truth about the lasting effects of racism and exploitation. It challenges us to think about how, despite progress, Black bodies are still objectified and valued more for their physical abilities than their humanity. By drawing a line from slavery to contemporary sports, Thomas’s work critiques society's ongoing tendency to reduce Black people to their physicality, stripping them of their individuality and worth beyond what they can provide for others. This deep and layered message is what makes the image so interesting and powerful.
No comments:
Post a Comment