Mini Post:Kara E. Walker

Cansuela Lawrence
Art and Women
Professor Cacoilo
01/19/17

                                                                   Kara Walker 

        Kara Walker is a American born artist of African descendants. Walker is a feminist/ activist artist who used black and white paintings, sculptures, and collages to express the harsh reality of racism, gender roles, sexism or sexuality and violence in  humanity and our history through her work.

Sugar Sphinx 

http://www.fashionsphinx.com/the-marvelous-sugar-baby-a-massive-sugar-sphinx-by-kara-walker/

         
      The Sugar Sphinx is a sculpture of a nude African woman that is sexualized, also alongside with small sculptures of children bringing offerings to her. One could say that the Sugar Sphinx is the all mother; instead of the Greek or Egyptian winged monster that is knew as a man eater , which is what a sphinx is.  In this piece Walker is addressing the role of African women or women on a whole as the main figure or the head of the family; also, that she should be pampered and and worshiped like a god, Because the mother is the giver and the gateway life or mankind. The Sugar Sphinx is addresses race, sexuality and gender role; while on the other hand,  Harper's Pictorial History of the Civil War (Annotated), is more violent in nature.  

                                    Harper's Pictorial History of the Civil War (Annotated)

    

                                http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/494393

         In Harper's Pictorial History of the Civil War (Annotated) Walker, is addressing the fact that a lot of historical documents left out the major roles that the slaves played is the war; and also, how they help them won the war. This piece is on harsh reminder that mankind is vicious and barbaric. And the history we learn is only from a Western point of view. However Kara E. Walker is a powerhouse artist who is not afraid to address the injustice in our history and also in our way of life. Overall I think that K. Walker work is inspirational because of the figures she used in her art leave a mental underlying narrative that shows the lowest points in human history also the perseverance of African striving to survive.