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(1) Society often places individuals into boxes, requiring them to identify with only one group or identity, but this semester I have enjoyed seeing art portray individuals as complex people with a variety of identities. Therefore, I decided to focus my final project... #ARTH287
(2)... on the multiplicity of blackness, and, more specifically, the multiplicity of black women. In the following pieces, artists utilize color, hairstyles, and outfits to portray black women as unique individuals with a variety of identities.
(3)I found the use of black and white in this portrait quite interesting, especially alongside the message and subject matter this piece addresses. The portrait is of Amelia Boynton Robinson, who championed voting rights for African Americans in the 1900s. https://www.instagram.com/p/CMN99mALnIS/
(4) It took place at the 50th anniversary of the protests in Selma in 1965. Although the goal of suffrage for African Americans was eventually achieved, I think this black and white portrait demonstrates that many of the injustices are still very much present today.
(5) Despite the lack of progress in the treatment of African Americans since 1965, when black people such as Robinson fought for equality, I find this portrait empowering. In many of America’s most pivotal moments, Black people, and especially black women...
(6) ...were at the forefront of the fight. This portrait demonstrates yet another example of Black women fighting for their own rights and fair treatment.
(7) This is another photograph by Sheila Pree Bright, but this one is from the Say Her Name Rally in Atlanta, GA in 2015. I think this portrait pairs well with the previous one of Amelia Boynton Robinson because...it shows a new, younger generation... https://www.instagram.com/p/CMNS53cLnrl/
(8) of Black women who fight for rights and treatment that they should already have. Again, the use of black and white in the portrait makes the event seem older than it really is, which indicates that in the 21st century...
(9) our society has not progressed past some of the inequalities that were present in the past, when we saw other black and white pictures.
(10) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLQfv0EFEbZ/ Again, the use of color stands out to me in this piece by Alison Saar. Red, in general, symbolizes courage, which I think is very present in the portrayal of Black women in art. This piece does a great job demonstrating the multiplicity of Black women
(11) it depicts her race and gender, but also, it shows her individual courage, strength, and affinity for music. I think the choice to show half of her face in the shadow is a deliberate use of color to further the idea that certain parts of her identity are “in the shadows.”
(12) https://www.instagram.com/p/CK4ewT6HdJe/ This piece utilizes color and outfits to demonstrate the power of Amanda Gorman. Awol Erizku shot this picture for Time Magazine shortly after the inauguration in January. Firstly, I love the use of the color pink, as it sends a message of strength...
(13) and confidence. Pink is commonly seen as a “feminine” color or one that shows “innocence” and in some cases “weakness.” However, I love the deliberate use of this hot pink color to send a message of strength. It also goes against sexist ideas of “weak women.”
(14) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEcHjV_FUNr/ I love the use of color in this piece -- it adds to the already strong message that the three words, Black Lives Matter, send at the top of the piece. Placing a woman alongside the strong message furthers the idea that Black women have played a...
(15) pivotal role in fighting against a long history of abuse and mistreatment in the United States. The bold use of multiple colors adds to the confidence that comes across in this piece.
(16) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Pwd5JF_bU/ This piece by Philemona Williamson takes an interesting and important approach to portraying Black women through art. At the right of the piece, there is a pair of scissors cutting the young girl’s hair. Hair is a big part of many people, but I...
(17) think it is especially a big part of a woman’s identity. This young girl can choose to express herself however she likes, so I would be curious to learn if she is “choosing” to cut her hair or if someone else is doing this for her. If it is the latter...
(18) this piece could represent society defining this girl and restricting her to a particular identity.
(19) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJtb7eslX-p/ This is such a powerful piece of Stacey Abrams. The use of colors in Abrams’ clothing and the picture’s background are a bold choice that assert the dominance that Abrams’ stance and disposition already convey. There are some red, white...
(20) and blue in the background, which could represent the country that Abrams’ represents in politics. However, the dashes of other colors such as pink, yellow, green, and purple show that Abrams is an individual and further the idea of the multiplicity of Black women.
(21) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLK3TyfFZTF/ This picture, along with the sculptures, speaks to the importance of the connection between African Americans today and their ancestors. I love this picture because the woman almost blends in with the sculptures...
(22) demonstrating that while things have changed over time, the connection to one’s ancestors remains.
(23) https://www.instagram.com/p/CER83hfnr3E/ This is such a powerful piece. Personally, I love the artistic choice to only use one or two colors for the magazine cover, because it brings attention to Breonna Taylor and not anything else in the foreground or background. In other words...
(24) the simplicity of the art brings attention to what really matters -- a lack of action from the criminal justice system over a huge injustice and the murder Breonna Taylor.
(25) https://www.instagram.com/p/BrgvcfLBeC1/ To finish off this thread of art using color, hairstyles, and outfits to convey the multiplicity of Black women, I chose this piece by Mickalene Thomas that uses all three elements to portray this confident and beautiful woman. Firstly, the variety...
(26)of colors in the piece gives the viewer many different aspects to enjoy. I especially love the use of the purple jumpsuit, which is a distinct use of not only color but also clothing. Finally, the superimposed face on top of the body and hair makes the entire piece so unique
(27) Overall, this piece, along with the others, demonstrate the multiplicity of Black women and allows both the artists and subjects to express themselves how they would like instead of how society expects them to act, look like, or be.
