Exploring Ideas of Race in Art

Throughout the week, I have been confronted with ideas of race. Whether it has been directly or indirectly; from issues with President Obama and the public's view, or questions about my past relating to race--it seems to always come up. It is something that I don't really like to focus on simply because I feel that race does not, or should not matter. But to some, race is a very important part of their lives. For some, it is important to understand where they come from or to understand certain ideas or history.

While watching an episode of Art 21, I was introduced to Michael Ray Charles. I was at first drawn to his work because of the way he portrays things in a sort of consumerist manner, that is to say that his work looks as if it is a poster advertising goods. I like this style in art. As the episode progressed, the artist began to explain how through his work, he was exploring ideas of his history and the view of black people throughout American history. One thing that I found interesting when he declared racial issues as being an issue that is not only that of blacks, but whites also. This can be seen in works where Charles explores white-face, as in the painting of Uncle Sam as a black man in white-face. Probably the most interesting thing I found in the segment was that Charles embraced the portrayals of blacks throughout time, including those of 'big lips' and 'darkies'.

I was fascinated by the work of Michael Ray Charles because it reminds me a lot of Kara Walker's work. Not so much in style, but in the ideas behind the work, how their art is more a delve into their past trying to make sense of things related to race.

If you are interested in Charles or Walker, here are a couple of links.

http://www.pbs.org/art21/series/seasonone/consumption.html

http://learn.walkerart.org/karawalker

Also, if you have Netflix, Art 21 is available for instant viewing or by DVD.

-Aaron Rivera