In the Fall/Winter 2014-15 exhibition, Speaking of People: Ebony, Jet and Contemporary Art artworks explore the ways contemporary artists use Ebony and Jet as a resource and as inspiration in their practices.
Both Simpson and Gallagher have works in the show, that I find, help young people become aware of the many facets of advertising and concepts of feminine beauty, judgement and acceptance. I have had two conversations with two classes about advertisements for hair and the different ways we may feel about how we look.
I begin with an image from the 1950's, next an image from the 1960's and then an old wig ad.
After we look at the images we discuss the differences between the 1950's and 1960's, we discussed the use of wigs and why people wear them. The word judgement and or acceptance came up and we then discussed how it feels to be judged and or concerned about being accepted.
I ask the students to observe the artwork of Lorna Simpson and Ellen Gallegher and ask them to tell me how these two, women artists have dealt with the issue of hair in their art works and after a good discussion they move on to create their own versions of featured pieces of art.
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| Lorna Simpson |
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| Ellen Gallagher |
The first time I had done this project I used images and watercolor. This time I have used paint, yarn, clay and images of women as well as men.
YARN...
