CONFRONTING RACIST STEREOTYPES

Examining Identity Construction: Selections from the Mott-Warsh Collection is organized around three ​sub-themes: confronting racist stereotypes; everyday people; and taking a stand. ​

The artworks in this section of the exhibit appropriate racial stereotypes as a means of confronting the painful, violent history of racism towards African Americans. By calling out the history and existence of these tools of hatred, the artists featured in this gallery use their art as a form of resistance and as a means to shock viewers out of complacency. A portrait sculpture of peace activist Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. sits among the discomforting images. This sensitive bronze work by artist John Wilson serves as a beacon of hope.
 
Also, displayed in this gallery is a video about the history of Black stereotypes, courtesy of the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI.

Installation View | Photo by Tim Thayer

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SELECTED ARTWORKS

Click each image to enlarge.

Betye Saar, “Lullaby," 1999, Mixed media on serving tray, 16 ½” x 9 ¾” x ¾”. © Estate of Betye Saar Courtesy of Michael Rosenfeld Gallery, LLC, New York, NY.

Mark Steven Greenfield, “Lesson #2," 2003, Inkjet print, 34” x 22”. © Courtesy of Mark Steven Greenfield

Mark Steven Greenfield, “Oops! There it is!," 2004, Inkjet on canvas, 54” x 85”. © Courtesy of Mark Steven Greenfield

Mark Steven Greenfield, “Lesson #3," 2004, Inkjet print, 34” x 21 ¾”. © Courtesy of Mark Steven Greenfield

Alison Saar, “Washtub Blues," 2001, Woodcut. © Courtesy of Phyllis Kind Gallery

Whitfield Lovell, “Face," 2006, Charcoal on wood, plastic figurines, wood and metal, Overall dimensions 27” x 18” x 6 ¼”. © Whitfield Lovell, Courtesy DC Moore Gallery, NY

Clarissa Sligh, “Who We Was," 1987, Serigraph, 22" x 30". © Copyright Clarissa Sligh

Camille Billops, “The Story," 1992, Colored pencil on paper, 27 ½” x 21”. © Courtesy of Camille Billops

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