Al Jolson study figure (2001)
acrylic on canvas
21 x 17 inches
this sculpture, reminiscent of the contours of racist jim crow era anti-Black american memorabilia or collectables, becomes the focus of al jolson, white (european immigrant) american minstrel star. jolson, noted the “king of Blackface performers” was celebrated between racial lines as he tithered the line between entertaining and educating america on Black social life within all its contradictions. the piece invokes the question of what exactly did al see, do, or speak with to be able to present the nuances of Black life at the approval of Black people.
acrylic on canvas
21 x 17 inches
this sculpture, reminiscent of the contours of racist jim crow era anti-Black american memorabilia or collectables, becomes the focus of al jolson, white (european immigrant) american minstrel star. jolson, noted the “king of Blackface performers” was celebrated between racial lines as he tithered the line between entertaining and educating america on Black social life within all its contradictions. the piece invokes the question of what exactly did al see, do, or speak with to be able to present the nuances of Black life at the approval of Black people.
