The American Dream #9
Faith Ringgold was a trailblazer in her field of art, merging elements from quilt making that was the craft of her former slave ancestors with narratives that illustrate her experiences growing up. Her work represents African American artists and women in ways that they have typically not been in the world of art.
Big Idea/Subject:
Identity
Major Theme:
Race
Medium/Presentation:
Oil Paint on Canvas
Visual Components:
Contrast, Space, Light, Shape, Color, Emphasis
Category:
Fine Arts
Description/Interpretation:
This image uses the poignant colors and visual qualities to illustrate the social issue of race in America during this time period (the 1960’s). The piece is one in a series of twenty titled, The American Dream, all representing this concept. This particular piece, with rich tones and vivid imagery, also displays images representing material wealth (represented by the diamond ring). The figure is a half black, half white woman, and her gaze continues off the composition. There is a sadness to the tone of the piece, both from the expression of the figure and the colors used.
I believe that Ringgold is using the harsh line of black and white on the woman to illustrate the extreme social line between race in the country at that time. I also see the arrow as a representation of social downturn in the country as well.
Use in Teaching:
This piece can be used in important discussions about visual culture and social justice in the classroom. Ringgold’s work uses visual qualities and symbolism to discuss the issue of racism in America. Students could benefit from viewing images in visual culture and finding pieces and work with similar symbolism, as well as creating work that addresses the issues that impact them.
For example, after a discussion using the guiding questions students could decide on a social issue that has personally impacted their life. Racism, bullying, etc. Then we would have a dialogue about those particular issues, asking the students: if you were to create a piece about that, what would it look like? Would you be in the piece? What material would you use? Would you use any of the same techniques as Ringgold?
I would allow students to explore these ideas with sketches, and they would each create a piece focusing on their individual issues. Each piece would use materials that best reflects the students ideas and sketches as well.
Guiding Questions:
1) What formal qualities does the artist use to represent the issue of race in this image?
2) Why did the artist choose to represent race this way?
3) How does this piece make you feel? How does the figure appear to be feeling?
4) What is an important social issue that impacts your life?
5) Could you use any of the same techniques as the artist to create a piece about that issue?
