The Drawers - Faith Ringgold Commentary written by Julie Oakes
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WWW.Women
Faith
Ringgold With a philanthropic and compassionate personal history of charitable and social actions, she has gained the admiration and respect of those who came in contact with either her or her proxy - her art. She has used both the written word as well as the visual realms to put forward the particular advantages of her African Americanism. Ringgold's sure hand provides a quick graphic read, similar to the clear pop imagery of Warhol, yet it is seated in a different premise. Rather than accelerating a case for the celebration of culture as we live it in the world of popular commodities, Ringgold tells of the cultural specificity of people of color. The dreadlocks on the woman in “Mama Can Sing” spring from her head like a fountain of glory. She is as black and glamorous as the nightlife of Harlem. Ringgold, herself holds the stature of a queen and, dressed in African styling with her own magnificent head of dreadlocks, she poses a commanding figure. Her regal dignity carries through with soulful energy into her art work. She has become a respected master (gender non-specific), not only as a female artist but also ringing loud and clear with her clarion cry for black women.
Julie Oakes Copyright © 2008 Headbones Gallery |