Art:21 | Kara Walker

[MilitiaTiamat]

Silhouette artist Cindi Rose also does museum silhouettes like Kara Walker’s, but more whimsical :)

[SilhouettesByCindi]

America has produced Cindi Harwood Rose, another collectable fine art silhouettist like Kara Walker, beautiful women artists both! Please check out my video response and thank you! - Danielle D.

[hitherandyon]

Kara Walker's style borrows heavily from the German artist Lotte Reiniger, who was making her work 80 years ago. No one ever seems to mention this. Just do a search for her name and you'll see.

[beethovenqueen]

@hitherandyon Yes and Lotte Reiniger was the first person to EVER make a feature film -- and hers was animated! I haven't done a lot of research on Kara but I've done some and never hear her mention Lotte Reiniger: an incredible, prolific animation pioneer and woman who was directing her own films long before other women.

If Kara appreciates "roots" she should appreciate the roots of silhouette art/animation as well!

[epiksonik]

Her art taps you in a way and makes you realize this is just the way it was/is.

[mewbean]

She is fast becoming one of my favorite artist.

[8RockART]

Just because the messages in an artists work may be painful to look at and think about doesn't mean their work is bad on. Indeed, as a Black artist who sometimes cringes at Walker's images, I still find value in the work she creates. Her images tell a frightening and grotesque truth about the gruesome spectacle of slavery, not unlike the Novels of Charles Johnson or Nancy Rawles.

[BreahBoo]

Whatever dude/lady/whatever. You took it too far, calling someone a dumbass is one thing - talking about someone's kid sister is another. Fucking grow up. And if I was your child, I'd fucking stab your ass. Wash my mouth out now, dickwad.

[BreahBoo]

By the way, dumbass - that's my sister, not my daughter. I'm 16 - she's 8. Yeah 0 I had my daughter at 8 -_-

[bebop54]

great comment !@goldsheepfishradiato

[ResearchKnowledge123]

I do indeed have an appreciation for subjectivity, open ended forms, and the power of suggestion However, such a view is not always applicable or appropriate. There are certain themes that require a more concrete interpretation. Slavery in America being one of them. An example of art that allows for suggestion would be Zydeco by Jean Michel Basquiat. That piece leaves the door open to a myriad of possibilites as far as meaning go. Kara's work is far more concrete. and should be dealt w/ as such

[ResearchKnowledge123]

@goldsheepfishradiato

You must be conclusive and clear when debating complex ideas, art. and other forms of creative expression. Otherwise anything will be thrust into the creative arena and allowed to exist. No matter how damaging and disturbing. Artists should constantly be challenged to defend their art. To articulate why they decided to exercise their creativity in the manner that they have. Otherwise what's the point? I reject the notion of art for art sake. I favor are for lifes sake!

[bebop54]

& what is the point of art if it must be verbalized , defended & explained in words

( ??!!) ...lol

art is about meaning ...

you either have a dialogue with a given work or you do not ..

simple .. @ResearchKnowledge123

[ResearchKnowledge123]

@bebop54 The point is that people would learn, gain enlightenment, and perhaps find new insights into complex problems. I don't understand how you can say art has meaning, then turn around and question the value of an artist verbalizing and defending the work. That sounds like a contradiction. Artist creates art for a reason, I'd like to know what that reason is. It doesn't prevent me from having my own authentic response based on my experiences and sensibilities.

[bebop54]

thanks for your comment ..art is ABOUT meaning ..

it IS the meaning ..

the purpose of the artist is to bridge communication between the human & the divine ...

a true artist will venture into unchartered territory & report back ..

not with words but with images ..

the images should engage the viewer in a dialogue rather than manipulate...

[bebop54]

ps- i can tell by your comments that you haven't viewed many paintings up close ..

if you do decide to investigate art first hand you will understand what i mean ..

try to stand in front of a rembrant or a bacon & i assure you words will not be necessary ..

take care friend .

[ResearchKnowledge123]

@bebop54 Well she definately has ventured into unchartered territory. unfortunaltely she seems to have decided that she enjoys it so much she is not coming back. I'm convinced that if given the chance to be free or enslaved, Kara will choose bondage. Her work is less a dialogue and more a declaration of her desire to be Enslaved. Nothing about her or her work communicates anything different.

[bebop54]

@ResearchKnowledge123 ..

it doesn't communicate anything different to YOU ..

it's not your 'thing' that's all ... she probably has not 'decided'..

unchartered territory usually does not involve 'enjoyment ' unfortunately ...

most people when given a choice choose bondage ..

don't you?

attributing that to kara walker would be presumptious not knowing her ..

that's what YOU feel when looking at her work ..

a big mistake many people make is to think they know an artist thru their work ..

[bebop54]

the fact that she affected you enough to write these comments & ponder the idea or the reality of 'bondage' ..

who's a slave , who ain't etc ...haha

those are worthwhile things to consider ..

if she gets you angry even better ....

[ResearchKnowledge123]

@bebop54 Quite the opposite, I'm constantly trying to get people to closely examine thier circumstances. If they do that, they will see that only they are responsible for their situation in many cases. At this stage of life Slavery is mental for the most part. In Kara's case she actually articulated that. She said that "All Black People want to be Slaves a little bit" She is the one projecting her Slave Mentality on the rest of us.

[bebop54]

@ResearchKnowledge123

you are getting off the track ..

this is about art remember?

it is not entertainment ..

you have taken an artists vocabulary & have applied it to the artist personality ..

with every comment you write it is increasingly obvious that you have never seen a painting up close ..

i would bet that you've never even been inside a gallery ..

with all due respect may i suggest that you take a few years off & view some art & than come back to discuss 'art' with me ...

thank you ...

[ResearchKnowledge123]

@bebop54 That's funny, I'm a regular visitor to galleries and museums. My favorites include Basquiat, Sean Scully, Richard Diebenkorn, Robert Rauschenberg, Martin Puryear, Romare Bearden, Kerry James Marshall, Thermon Statom, William Morris the glass artist, and Woodrow Nash to name a few. Just as I'm able to articulate why art is good, It only makes since that I be able to articulate when art fails miserably like the wretched and grotesque scribbles of Kara "The Slave" Walker.

[BreahBoo]

@ResearchKnowledge123 Maybe if you read a damn history book, you would know what Kara's work is about. Asshole.

[ResearchKnowledge123]

@BreahBoo I take it then that you've read all the history books? If so then enlighten me! Articulate what Kara's work is about. After that, maybe you could spend time teaching your illiterate child how to talk. That babble you uploaded sounds like you are well on your way to raising the next Kara Walker!

[dzjair]

I think she's a great artist, no matter what anyone may try and portay her intentions to be.

[Chilidog32]

I have this feeling that maybe she is trying to express a protagonist's struggle while applying it to the situation at the time(my opinion)

[andimags]

of you who are upset, don't you understand that's the point?

[ResearchKnowledge123]

Therefore at the end of the day I'm always left with the distinct impression that Kara is celebrating the institution of slavery. Which if we are not careful can lead to a kind of trivializing of the atrocities. Which leaves younger members of society thinking it wasn't so bad. Which ultimately leads to the door being open for it to possibly happen again. Making a mockery of events of this magnitude invites it in again. Kara is not among those great artistic visionaries. btw im not offended.

[ResearchKnowledge123]

In listening to Kara speak about her work, I'm always left with the impression that her explorations are more of a bizarre, fetish of some sort. She actually said at one point that all Black people want to be slaves a little bit. Not to mention the instances of her characters engaged in sexual acts with dead bodies. Or the constant defecating all over the place. Things that leaves one wondering is this historical fact or her personal fantasies. Which leaves no room for serious debate.

[ResearchKnowledge123]

She says she wants to be the Heroine and Kill the Heroine at the same time. This kind of Psycho Babble sounds as if she's been SMOKING HEROINE!

[BreahBoo]

@ResearchKnowledge123 The drug is "Heroin" not "Heroine."

For someone as knowledgeable as yourself, you should be able to tell the difference between a Heroine, and Heroin.

:)

[ResearchKnowledge123]

@BreahBoo What are you? a 16 year old HEROIN addicted dropout? Instead of annoying us Grown Folks why don't you spend some quality time teaching your little sister how not to be like you. We wouldn't want her growing up defending Psycopaths like Kara Walker and learning the proper spelling of illegal drugs. Now beat it, scram, get lost, vacate the premises, and leave already!

[BreahBoo]

@ResearchKnowledge123 Wow, yeah - because 16 year old heroin addicted dropouts spend their days on youtube talking about art. For sure. Since your "grown" how about you get some common sense. Also, my sister isn't "illiterate." She was just trying to see how to record a video and put it on youtube. For a 7 year old, that's pretty impressive. Your making shit way to personal, and that was a pretty low blow, talking about my sister like that. You need to grow up.

[ResearchKnowledge123]

@BreahBoo HaHaHa Oh NOOOOOO You didn't just accuse me of taking things too personal! After out of nowhere you called me an asshole and a dumbass! Damn right i'm going to take it personal. You shouldn't hurl insults at people you don't know if you can't take the heat! Where's your parents anyway? didn't they teach you any manners? You have a pretty foul mouth for a 16 year old. You're lucky I'm not there with you or i'd spank you, wash your mouth out with soap and send you to bed without dinner!

[BillyKnockout]

I love this woman's work ! Her art really evokes you to think.

[ramekon]

There is absolutely no doubt about the supreme magnitude of Kara Walker's artistic courage!

[ResearchKnowledge123]

Artistic Courage? Yeah right. Next you'll be saying Charles Manson and Hitler were courageous because they summoned the intestinal fortitude to slaughter scores people. A psychopath is a psycopath whether they are failed actors (HItler) or has the ability to draw and paint ( Kara Walker).

[bebop54]

absolutely ! that's the issue right there !

her enormous courage ...@ramekon

[Dubster80]

If I could describe this in words. Disturbing and sick. African-Americans should express their feelings about racsism and slavery in as strong and victorious manner, and how they were able to get through their horrible situations. Not images that only psychopaths would want to keep. This is not something that I would want my attention on. I know African-Americans have gone through the worst, but there have been races that have been enslaved for centeries in ancient days.

[MsMerising]

I personally find the artwork of Kara Walker and Michael Ray Charles a satirical take on 'Black Americana' - the objectification of 'Black' bodies under the system of White Supremacy. Whether they intend that or not, that's how I see it.

I see it as subversive. I sympathize with 'Black' artists who feel like artists of 'color' are under-presented in art galleries but again, people are attracted to what shocks them. Whether it's Magritte or Walker, it's the way it is.

[anniesartdream]

I love your artwork.

[rbonillavid]

Great art is not safe. I love her work.

[ResearchKnowledge123]

I agree! Great Art is not about being safe. But it should add something of value to the conversation and the historical record that empowers future generations toward BEING BETTER! Kara's work does neither. Simply regurgitating the atrocities of the past is not helpful at all. If I produced cut outs of Hitler burning Jews at the stake in the public square, would that be considered Great Art?

[rbonillavid]

Who said art has to empower future generations into being better? That is not the responsibility of an artist. They are not role models. In her work she exorcises her demons, so to speak. As to your other comment "If I produced cut outs of Hitler burning Jews at the stake in the public square, would that be considered Great Art?" Uh ever seen Schindler's List or the hundreds of other movies about the holocaust? To deny people ever had these dark thoughts is not inspiring anyone to "be better."

[ResearchKnowledge123]

I said Art should empower future generations into being better. That's my standard of Great Art. That's essentially what the debate is. WHAT IS GREAT ART? Anytime you give an artist 1/2 million $'s and a title of Genius Artist (as was the case w/ Kara) to MAKE them a role model. You are saying this person is worthy of the highest praise our society & culture can bestow on an artist. Sch. List is great because it showed how one man heroically saved scores of people. Kara relishes slavery.

[rbonillavid]

So, according to you, once an artist reaches a certain level of credibility and recognition, they aren't allowed to make anything provocative or disturbing? You're absolutely right! We should censor all those artists, making room for the Beyonces of the world. Oh, how inspiring and wonderful they are. Not to mention smart and original! Haha. You obviously have some sort of deep-seated hatred for her that has little to do with her artistic credibility. Anyway, I'm done arguing.

[ResearchKnowledge123]

My point is simply this. If an artist is going to explore disturbing and provocative subject matter, then do so THOROUGHLY. Critically analyse it and come back with something valuable that can instruct and shed light on the dark situation or event. Failing to do this only makes you an intellectual lightweight and rank amateur. Kara is in over her head with this subject matter. I do indeed have a deep seated hatred for her making a mockery of the Slavery My Ancestors Experienced.

[ResearchKnowledge123]

I'm not at all in favor of censorship. I only demand Intellectual integrity. Kara's constant Pseudo Psycho Babble is incoherent, dangerous and embarassing. At least Beyonce does'nt pretend to be anything other than a pop music entertainer. She therefore has more integrity than Kara. Kara actually wants to be taken seriously as an intellectually challenging artist. Yet fails to articulate what her work represents and why it should be considered valuable.

[rbonillavid]

Yeah, integrity. She doesn't pretend to be anything other than a pop music entertainer? Hmm. What about the time she pretended to be a fashion designer and made those godawful clothes? Or the time she pretended to be an actress? "Obsessed"? What a classic of American film! She also kicked out members of her music group without telling them. Wow what a beautiful person! I hear she even sings to sick children. What an angel. She deserves every mansion and fur coat she owns.

[rbonillavid]

Oh and the diamonds she wears too. Wonder where they came from...? A diamond studded glove, how classy! You may be right and Kara may be a "Pseudo Psycho" but at least she doesn't sugar coat it. I don't think people who walk out of a Kara Walker show think slavery is anything but atrocious. I saw her work at the Hammer Museum and it was a solemn, contemplative experience.

[ResearchKnowledge123]

C'mon dude enough with the strawman argument about Beyonce. Our debate is not about her. It's about Kara and what should be the standard of Great Art. The Beyonce's of the world are like cheap suites they are in fashion one season gone the next. Whereas a Museum holds work for generations. The Genius Grant is a powerful reward that sets the standard of excellence for and entire nation in many ways. Emerging artists look to the winners for guidance. It even shapes how they create and explore.

[rbonillavid]

Hey I'm just pointing out how hypocritical your statements are. Honestly, have you ever even been to a Kara Walker show? Hmm? Have you ever read anything about her work written by other artists? Try the Time article by Barbara Kruger. Ever seen work by artists that site her as an influence? You haven't said anything that's even mildly convincing and the comparisons to Hitler/Manson are completely ridiculous. But I know there's no convincing you. I feel silly for even bothering with this. lol.

[ResearchKnowledge123]

Where's the hypocrisy? I've been totally consistent. I've been focusing on Artistic Integrity. Cotton candy has integrity as a sweet sugary confection. It doesn't try to pass itself off as an organically grown nutrient rich meal. Beyonce is cotton candy. Kara tries to be Corn fed poultry broccoli and cauliflower. Yes unfortunately I have been to one of her shows and it's always just as you described. solemn & quiet because to speak about it is to expose it as the travesty that it is.

[ResearchKnowledge123]

The danger in giving sickos like Kara the Genius Grant is just as you mentioned. Others come along and emulates her non-sense with tragic results. None of these hacks have done the scholarly work necessary to competently handle such a serious subject as Slavery in America. They simply throw offensive and stereotypical images on the wall and call it art. Then when they are called out they hide behind psycho babble like "I want to be the heroine, and kill the heroine at the same time" Yeah Right!

[rbonillavid]

Right. Well I've obviously offended you and for that I'm sorry. I know that slavery was terrible, tragic, etc. But if art were the way you described, if you had to be a politically-correct "scholar" about the subject you chose to depict in order for people to not think you a monster...art would be a boring, lifeless thing. There would be no Frida Kahlo, no Andy Warhol, no Paul McCarthy, no Goya or Dali. They all had critics that said the exact same thing.

[ResearchKnowledge123]

I'll end with this. There has been plenty of Artist throughout history that has tackled difficult subject matter with stunning results. Schindlers List among them. As well as Amistad, Picasso Guernica as well as many others. The difference is the level of insight & intelligence brought to bare in dealing with the subject. Tough themes require a coherent worldview that respects & honors those that have fallen. & instructs so that the atrocities is not repeated.

[rednailvarnish77]

In another interview she mentions "Scarlet O'hara" as the heroine which most embodies this conflict. As a black woman, I can understand what she means by that statement. Scarlet is beautiful, beloved (though undeservedly) by two men, and strong. What young girl wouldn't want to be Scarlet?! The problem for a black woman who rallies for Scarlet's heroism is that she knows for all her refinements, Scarlet's lifestyle was supported by the sickening institution of slavery .

[ResearchKnowledge123]

That reality naturally begs the question, How can a Black Woman admire and emulate a Scarlett O'hara KNOWING FULL WELL that she is a Slave Owner? That's absolutely insane and disgusting! I have zero respect or admiration for people, countries or institutions that gained success and riches by ruthlessly exploiting another. That's why I have very little respect for how america got rich by slaughtering Natives and enslaving Africans. It's blood money and karma is a bitch.

[MIDJOBZ]

she needs to get over racism, sad bitch that acts white that is really black.

[ResearchKnowledge123]

I don't think I've ever seen a more sick & twisted artist than Kara Walker. She fantasizes about being a slave. Getting raped by Slave Masters. Killing Slave masters, killing the children that are the result of the rape. On & On. Her art is extreme and unhealthy. How can anyone live with this imagery in their homes? If an Artist is going to examine this subject matter, they should do so from a positon of strength and come out victorious. Kara constantly emerges as the victim.

[tnj2323]

Wow! Those were some intense pieces (my opinion). I don't pretend to know about "visual art" (my art is musical), but I was both stunned and fascinated... her work is definitely something I'd openly admire and purchase (If I could afford it, lol).

I like!

[downbutnotout84]

Definitely one of my favorite artist.

[WickedyWorkshop]

Excuse me, but... Immature. How old is she ?! She seems to have the talent of a great artist and the brains of a twelve years old kid ... What a waste of talent (as she's really gifted) ...

[keymo10488]

If that's where the follow of art takes her, so be it. I'm not one to poorly judge others creativity. It's just not my cup of tea.

[TouchtheDarkness]

The power of envy.

Marvelous.

[bebop54]

heeheehee@TouchtheDarkness

[srbumblediva]

@TouchtheDarkness NO, not envy...the power of racism to turn the person who has enslaved and both the slave into objects and no longer persons. A person cannot enslave and a slave cannot be enslaved without also losing a part or all of their humanity.

[MIDJOBZ]

what is the first three pieces called? Im completing an essay about Walkers works, I love the Sillouettes.

[blackberryjuice1]

Howardena Pindell has some choice words for Michael Ray Charles and Kara Walker alike. Google howardena pindell kara walker, and read her N Paradoxa paper.