Charles White’s exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art was a wonderful opportunity for our class to see how culture and art merge together, especially during times of racial, economic and social distress. Charles White was an African American artist who lived from 1918-1979. He experienced segregation and racism as a black man living during the Civil Rights Movement. He was able to use his environments conditions to showcase black excellence and power through his works of art. He powerfully interpreted African American history, culture, and lives over the course of his career. He developed a distinctive approach to art making and remained committed to a representational style at a time when the art world increasingly favored abstraction. His work exemplified the power of the black figure and accentuated attention on the lives of African Americans and the struggle for equality.
Many of White’s works showcased his raw talent as an artist and draftsman. I was astonished by the way he was able to portray several themes in his art, including race, communism, and feminism. I was also in awe of his detailed shadowing in his earlier works especially his inking of “Native Son.” He paid close attention to proportions of the male figure in the piece to draw attention to the arms and body. The large, hulk-like arms represented the laborious struggles that African Americans have dealt with. I appreciated how he was able to make acute strokes on the painting so that the viewer could really pay attention to each detail.
Out of all White’s art that we viewed, I was particularly grappled by “Black Pope (Sandwich Board Man.) White depicts an enigmatic portrait of a black man wearing heavy robes, aviator glasses and cruciform headdress. A sandwich board with the single word “now” hangs from his neck. He holds his left hand in a gesture that looks like a peace sign. Although the “Pope” has no commands, the word “now” struck me because it screams urgency. Change should happen now, and we should not wait for it to happen. Above him, there is a stenciled word “Chicago.” This is a way for White to pay homage to where he was born. Staring at the Black Pope depicted in White’s painting, I couldn’t help but think of who the figure could be in today’s world. I think that the Black Pope of today can be Kanye West. West encourages the idea that change is always happening, now and forever. He pushes boundaries in all shapes of art, whether it be clothing or music. He is also a native of Chicago. And as a Pope, he preaches what he wants his choir to hear. He speaks for himself and influences people and the way they think.
