Here is a powerful explanation of history and art when it comes to people of color. In our classroom, we often played the game "Find the Person of Color" when observing, appreciating, and interpreting art, but this artist, Titus Kaphar, takes that "game" a step further. To be clear, it wasn't a game when we did it in class, and there were no prizes for the student who found the object first. It was a way of emphasizing that which was not emphasized by the artist in the first place. | |
I have seen Kaphar's work in person. In his portrait of Andrew Jackson, located in the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, a portion of Jackson is covered by what appears to be torn rags. I needed some help to understand the piece at the time, thinking that the artist was trying to get rid of history and make a political statement. It's so much more than that.
With a level head, Titus Kaphar explains how he begins the conversation using his talents, and it's worth a look. Take a moment and watch the TED Talk (above). Whether you agree with everything that this man says, it will make you think again.