There are whole histories of African American artists wrestling with stereotypical depictions and minstrelsy - and it seemed worthy anyway to me as an artist to consider them as some kind of artwork.

American painter and silhouettist Kara Walker rose to international acclaim at the age of 28 as one of the youngest-ever recipients of a MacArthur Genius grant. Appearing in exhibitions, museums, and public collections worldwide, Walker’s work wrestles with the ongoing psychological injury caused by the legacy of slavery. 


In this episode, Walker shares how she navigates her own inner conflicts, how a curiosity for history led her to the silhouette, and what happens when making use of symbols of Black servitude brings one acclaim. 


References:

Buster Browns


RISD - Rhode Island School of Design


My Complement, My Enemy, My Oppressor, My Love


University of the Pacific


Robert Wilson


Einstein on the Beach


Stanley Whitney


Glen Ligon


Kehinde Wiley

There are whole histories of African American artists wrestling with stereotypical depictions and minstrelsy - and it seemed worthy anyway to me as an artist to consider them as some kind of artwork.

American painter and silhouettist Kara Walker rose to international acclaim at the age of 28 as one of the youngest-ever recipients of a MacArthur Genius grant. Appearing in exhibitions, museums, and public collections worldwide, Walker’s work wrestles with the ongoing psychological injury caused by the legacy of slavery. 


In this episode, Walker shares how she navigates her own inner conflicts, how a curiosity for history led her to the silhouette, and what happens when making use of symbols of Black servitude brings one acclaim. 


References:

Buster Browns


RISD - Rhode Island School of Design


My Complement, My Enemy, My Oppressor, My Love


University of the Pacific


Robert Wilson


Einstein on the Beach


Stanley Whitney


Glen Ligon


Kehinde Wiley