Via https://blackamericaweb.com/2013/01/24/slavery-artwork-depicting-sex-acts-stirs-controversy/
Famous and not so famous African-American artists have actually exceptionally shared portrayals of contemporary and historic individuals and occasions, cultural perspectives, and the experiences and struggles of minorities through their art work. This article highlights the pivotal work of Black artists who assisted to bring African-American experiences into the elite art world. The art captures modern and historic experiences. Some art catches race and gender relations. Witchcrafts as a movement speaks straight to the requirements and goals of Black America. The Black artist speaks to the cultural and spiritual needs of Black individuals in their artistry.
The professionals of Black arts are inspired by a desire to face white power structures and assert an African American cultural identity. Black arts intend to serve the community and artists.
A New Jersey drawing is raising eyebrows in its vivid depiction of slavery.
Artist Kara Walker’s illustration of sex acts between black slaves and white owners is on display for the second time at the Newark Public Library. While some consider the drawing a historical retrospective others are finding it offensive.
The artwork, which was originally displayed during Thanksgiving, depicts some of the horrors experienced by female slaves at the hands of their owners before and during the Reconstruction era such as a slaves engaging in oral sex. (Click here to see a photo of the artwork.)
Since the drawing has been redisplayed, library workers have complained that the illustration is inappropriate. They’ve met to decide on a plan of action and have covered the drawing with a cloth in the meantime.
“They said there are a lot of things in artwork we don’t want to talk about, and that made absolute sense,” said Kendell Willis, a library employee.
Library officials plan to invite Walker to speak on the painting, the importance of artistic freedom and on the influence of black artists in today’s society.
“The library should be a safe harbor for controversies of all types, and those controversies can be dealt with in the context of what is known about art, about literature, democracy and freedom,” said library trustee Clement A. Price. “There’s no better venue in Newark where such a powerful and potential controversial drawing should be mounted.”
Price notes that discussing the black experience in America can be a delicate issue.
“Should we be depicted sentimentally, romantically?,” he said. “Should some of the grotesque realities be depicted in art or movies?”
(Photo: AP)
Black artists emphasize racial pride, a gratitude of African heritage, and a dedication to produce works that show the culture and experiences of black individuals. In each era, events of the day galvanize black artists to develop, arrange, and transform the world.