(Left: “The Means to an End…A Shadow Drama in Five Acts” Right: “Emancipation Approximation, Scene #18”)
I became interested in Kara Walker a few years ago when I picked up a post card version of Emancipation Approximation at the African American museum in D.C. I became even more interested in her last year when I went to the YUAG with my AfAm seminar to see A shadow drama. The thing that I think I love so much about Walker is how she used fairly simple images to convey really complicated and powerful narratives. I also really love the form in which she works. Before seeing her work I had never seen the use of these puppet-like silhouettes. Throughout her career she has caused a lot of controversy and I understand why. Partially, I believe, due to the nature of the medium with which she works, she uses stereotypical or exaggerated images of African Americans and because there are no faces she the stories she depicts seem to represent a general, monolithic conception of African American identity. Despite this argument, I still find myself really drawn to and moved by her work.
P.S if anyone is interested in seeing her work in person, the YUAG has A shadow drama and lots of other stuff of hers which can be seen if requested.
I like that you focus on her strategy to use simple images to convey complex narratives. I think this is what draws me to her work as well. It’s striking to see a piece so pared down that it is only black figures on white background. I see it as a way to animate the figures and create a dynamic tension in the composition.