Faith Ringgold

Faith Ringgold

“The American People Series #9: The American Dream”

Big Idea/Subject: Identity

Major Theme: Racism and Feminism

Medium/Presentation: Oil on canvas, stylized

Visual Components: Color, color blocking, contrast, composition

Pictured above, a woman sits – perhaps contemplative or in conversation. She may be in shadow or, knowing the background of the artist, quite possibly the artist is depicting a white woman and a black woman together in one portrait. A large diamond ring is sported on her right hand. The physicality of this woman gives the viewer a notion that she is well off: her nose is slightly turned up, her wrist is bent nonchalantly displaying her ring, she appears to be wearing a little black dress with a low neckline. The stark color blocking and actual color choices give tension to the portrait as if this look is seldom or difficult to achieve. By depicting the play between black and white in this portrait of a woman, it provides brilliant commentary on the effects, or lack thereof, of feminism and race in society. It seems that Ringgold intentionally creates an ambiguous statement, left more for the viewer to flesh out what she really means. Created at a time of enormous political change for civil rights, as well as knowing that she had a difficult time growing up as an African-American woman, this piece reflects the time period as well as her feelings on women in new positions of power/influence.

Many topics could be talked about when viewing this piece. I would choose to focus on how gender and race play a role in her creation and other artworks. Why did the artist choose to depict a white woman and a black woman in one person? What is the purpose of ring on her right hand (as opposed to left)? How do all of the components of this portrait combine to make a whole and what do they mean? The most feasible project to introduce would be self-portraits or a portrait of a loved one incorporating Ringgold’s style of color use and visual commentary. To make sure that students don’t directly copy the artist’s style, multiple examples of her work would be shown. Similar color schemes could be pointed out throughout each work, as well as differences in subject matter, composition, and the affect of stylization in art. Placing emphasis on the conceptual aspects behind Ringgold’s work would also help students create unique pieces instead of just copying.

Many topics could be talked about when viewing this piece. I would choose to focus on how gender and race play a role in her creation and other artworks. Why did the artist choose to depict a white woman and a black woman in one person? What is the purpose of ring on her right hand (as opposed to left)? How do all of the components of this portrait combine to make a whole and what do they mean? The most feasible project to introduce would be self-portraits or a portrait of a loved one incorporating Ringgold’s style of color use and visual commentary. To make sure that students don’t directly copy the artist’s style, multiple examples of her work would be shown. Similar color schemes could be pointed out throughout each work, as well as differences in subject matter, composition, and the affect of stylization in art. Placing emphasis on the conceptual aspects behind Ringgold’s work would also help students create unique pieces instead of just copying.

Sources used: www.kpbs.org/photos/galleries/craft-america-threads/, http://www.faithringgold.com