Art symbolizes a person’s thoughts and emotions whether they
be happy, sad, or anger. During the black radical art revolution, African
American women used art to help bring about their anger with the world and look
for the sought-after respect they deserved. One masterpiece during this time
frame that I found to be intriguing was Barbara Chase-Ribound’s Confessions of
Myself. Made from bronze and wood and standing almost 8 feet tall, this work
symbolizes the strength and hardship African American women endure daily. Black
women are the strongest part of the African American household. Maintaining the
home, supporting their husband, caring for the children, all while not being
respected due to their race and gender. This masterpiece stands tall and is
durable, much like the African American women that decided to fight for what
they believed in.
Riboud’s work was
also used as a tribute to Malcom X and with good purpose. She stated in an
interview that the work was not to be Malcom X but rather use materials that symbolize
him. Work such as this would make the observer think of Riboud as the tough
symbolic person. To hear her state that instead it was used to bring light to
Malcom X shows the lasting effects that Malcom X and his activism has on
African American. Malcom X fought the unity and the progression by any means
for African Americans which makes him a great theme for Riboud’s art.
When I look at
this work, it reminds me of Chakaia Booker, another African American artist
that creates books but mainly sculptures. Her sculptures are made from similar products
that Riboud used and include rubber, wood, and metal. Her sculpture created
back in 2006, Never mind, reminds me
of Riboud’s Confession for Myself. You see another masterpiece created out of
tough, rugged materials that symbolize struggle, racial stereotypes and equality.
I immediately see what resembles a vagina in the middle combined with black
materials implies this represents African American women. The surrounding
pieces look aggressive, defensive, and frustrated. This could symbolize that
African American women are always fighting, fighting for respect, equal rights,
and the want to not be seen and judged immediately. History has trained society
to judge instantly thus leaving African American women to constantly always be
on guard.
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