Rooted: Discovering One's Own Identity

Michael Harris, Roots, 2009

Roots:

Self-taught artist, Michael Harris connects concepts of one’s identity, self, cultural, and background in his piece, Roots, 2009. Harris’s digital photograph illustrates themes of culture, nature, foundation, and hope, as he displays the images of the deadlocks in the right hand corner, nature, such as trees and their roots, and the two grand windows on the right column. The overarching theme of ‘roots’ takes this piece to the next level in falling within the margins of blackness. The piece encompasses identity and background while reflecting on aspects of the Black mind, body, and soul.

Romare Bearden, Profile/Part II, The Thirties: Artist with Painting and Model, 1981 Collage on fiberboard

Profile/Part II, The Thirties: Artist with Painting and Model:

Romare Bearden’s Profile/Part II: The Thirties, Artist with Painting and Model sets a scene of an artist in his studio with his model and painting. Part of Bearden’s Profile series, the collage uses a variety of colors and layered pieces of paper to explore memories from his time as a young artist. There are also many references to other works of art around the studio. This artwork is set in Bearden’s studio above the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, where a renaissance of the art and culture of Black artists had just taken place. This artwork is considered Bearden’s only self-portrait.