By: Estefanie Herrera, Myura Trawick, Alexis Quach
Artist Statement:
For
our card project we decided to use the classic card game images and give them a
twist to recreate the conflict between a person that is mixed race and the
passing that is chosen by a mixed race individual that favors one of their
parents primarily those with Eurocentric features. We found inspiration in the
film “Imitation of Life” (1959) directed by Douglas Sirk. The character Sarah
Jane is one of the main female characters in the film, she is the daughter of
an African American woman and fathered by a White man. Sarah Janes’ self
loathing at being African American and having an obviously black mother also
leads her into an imitation of life as she estranges herself from Annie in
order to pass as white and therefore not have to suffer the indignities of
discrimination.
People
of mixed race that pass as white use their skin color to benefit being white;
these individuals are trying to find a way through the binary racial divisions
of society. This can probably be traced to the early 18thcentury
where most free people were classified by their appearance. If they looked
white, then they had privileges and were easily accepted over other mixed race
individuals that favored the skin color or physical features of the non-white
parent.
Our
card has a Queen of heart that is colored. She represents Sarah Janes’ mother,
Annie, who is black and the King underneath her is white faced. The King is
under her to signify that he is not a primary part of Sarah Jane’s life so what
we know about him is through the Queen (Annie). There is a line around the
Queen to signify the social constraints Annie has to deal with and how her
daughter’s rejection takes a physical and mental toll on her bounding Annie to
deal with racism through her daughter’s actions. The back side of our card is
the joker; Sarah Jane is represented there with a black and white image
signifying her two parents. The look on her face is that of seriousness not so
much a jester because she finally reconciled with her identity but it was only
after her mother’s death. What is the point of passing when there is so
high an emotional toll? Insistence on race identity, race consciousness, race
pride, and race beauty has made antiquated the game of hide-and-seek,
especially people of color and whites.
The cards looks very well done. At first I couldn't really tell what the cards mean but the Artist statement did a great job in explaining the mix race message surrounding it. This piece don't need any improvement. It is directly related to the readings and the discussion we had in class.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the facts that your group used an outside source, a film about being mixed raced and tied it back to the book and theme of the week. I have never seen the film before, but it seems like it's a good one and worth watching. It seems as though Sarah Jane went through a great deal of internal conflict to be able to disregard her mother's being. I particularly liked the way your group made your playing cards, however, I would have liked to see descriptions on the back of the cards as what the assignment required. The presentation was neat, good job.
ReplyDeleteThe graphics are sophisticated, and I appreciate the juxtaposition of Sarah's parents and the assignment of their card symbolism. The artist statement and project both expand and elaborate each other's ideas and concepts while highlighting how one's capability to "pass" as white and benefit from white privilege acts as a disposable, advantageous playing card. The artist statement needs more elaboration on why Sarah represents the joker. For instance, how does her position as a mixed race women who can pass as white cause her to become a joker, which leads her to her downfall?
ReplyDeleteThe artist statement nicely supports the art piece. The statement provides all the important details without being too long. The movie sounds very interesting! I'm curious about the emotional roller coaster and journey that Sarah Jane went through before accepting both identities. The only thing that should be added is a little more explanation as to why Sarah Jane is the Joker.
ReplyDeleteI love the art style of these cards, it feels very unique and illustrates the message of passing well. There is interesting commentary on the dynamics of a interracial couples and the harrowing nature of being light-skinned. The artists statement is well-written and explains every element of the art piece efficiently. I don't think there needs to be any improvement.
ReplyDeleteI like your card,it's a simple yet powerful image of being mixed race. I thought the artist statement did a good job explaining the piece, I was confused at first with the two different images. But after reading the artist statement, it makes more sense.
ReplyDeleteI really liked your artwork and the meaning behind the images. Your statement was very informative and went well with your artwork. I also really admire how every detail of your playing cards were touched upon. I thought that your artist statement was efficient and clear, and needs no improvements.
ReplyDeleteAlso, your group was able to deliver the theme for this week regarding 'passing' into a race due to one's skin color and the privileges and tragedies that come thereafter.
DeleteI like the artwork and the message it portrays. It's very simple but has a big message behind it. Great way of explaining mix race. The card and the artist statement does go hand in hand.
ReplyDeleteAt first I thought it was a set of cards with explanation on the back. Having both K and Q on the same card is very interesting card too, showing how it doesn't fit the card set, or the society. The card design is very artistic as well. The artist statement is very detailed in showing the meaning and inspiration of the art piece, but I hope it will be on the card piece for educational purpose as well. Overall great work!
ReplyDeleteThis piece of art looks very aesthetically pleasing, and matches well with the statement below. I could follow through the meaning of this project very easily, and the statement was very thorough and easy to follow! No need for improvement!
ReplyDeleteThe cards are beautiful, thoughtful, and well executed. I interpreted the mixed race component even before the write up. The write up further added to the complexity of the art project. In accordance with the card project, you should have the explanation in the back of each card.
ReplyDeleteThe black and white card reminds me of Wei Ming's visual aid of "Love sees no color". Also tying back to our discussion today when she asked us why people might id as monoracial, transethnic, or hybrid. Someone answered that by iding as monoracial of the oppressor, they (ideallY) receive certain privileges. However, Wei Ming have experiences that although she id as white, she is still judged to be someone from an exotic island. I think the statement does a good job at presenting the issue of "passing" to be white or of the privilege group.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have never watched the Imitation of Life before, but I feel as though this art piece have successfully captured meaning behind it. I appreciate how you manipulate the original drawings and redrew them instead of finding an image online. I also like how your artist statement is informative without being too long and how ties in really well with your piece. I think my only concern is the explanation behind Sarah Jane's Poker card. Other than that, good job!
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