Response

“The Dove” is a portrait by Romare Beardan. This portrait was created during a very controversial time in our nation’s history. It was created in 1964. “Bearden’s meaning is identical with his method. His combination of technique is in itself eloquent of the sharp breaks, leaps of consciousness, distortions, paradoxes, reversals, telescoping of time and surreal blending of styles, values, hopes, and dreams which characterize much of African American history” (Sayre, 2013). During this time in our nation’s history the segregation between black and white Americans was being challenged. “The sense of a single black American identity, one containing the diversity of black culture within it that Bearden’s work embodies” (Sayre, 2013). “Bearden began using clippings from glassy magazines, which were relatively new, and he made use of the highly modern aspects of popular culture in his artworks. By combining the materials of commercial life with political concepts and empowering narratives, Bearden imbued his work with the spirit of the times” (Rosen, 2016). Just looking at this portrait induces such heartache for me. I can’t imagine not having the same rights as someone else just based on the color of my skin. I think Bearden does an amazing job of creating through art what he and his fellow African Americans were going through at this time.It’s interesting because you can almost feel how no matter where he turned he was always having to fight for his rights, whether it was politics, music, or art.

References

Rosen, M. (2016). Project Gallery: Romare Bearden. Retrieved from https://www.mandatory.com/living/952379-exhibit-pr...

Sayre, H. M. (2013). Discovering the Humanities(2 ed.). [E-Book]. Retrieved from

https://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781256884774/cfi/6/2!/4/2@0:0.00 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

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