This large oil painting is from Faith Ringgold’s important
The American People Series
of approximately
twenty large paintings completed between 1963 and 1967. This was her first mature series of
paintings, and displayed her pointed observations on race relations during the Civil Rights era.This
significant work stands apart from the adult subjects in the series, but still has a very political message,
and is extensively described by Lisa E. Farrington in her artist’s monograph. Farrington notes how
“despite their apparent playfulness, Ringgold used these charming faces as a smokescreen to
obfuscate, but not completely veil, a vastly profound message - the shielding of America’s youth
from racial hatred.” Ringgold herself describes her own concerns for her children as inspiration for
this painting - “The painting was inspired by my own children and the fears I had about their
friendships with white children...in and out of school.” Farrington p. 19.
[35,000/50,000]
