The act of painting and decorating walls was a common state of the affair among Americans in the early 19th century. Cut-papers of different colours were framed on walls depending on an individual’s occupation and hobby (Walker 1). In most instances, the silhouettes were also useful in presenting files of loved ones or happy scenes and moment in the family. Prominent artists such as walker went a step ahead to transform their silhouettes into elaborate tableaux of sexual and racial violence as witnessed during the pre-civil in southern parts of United States of America. Critical analysis of artwork can reveal important information that explains political and social-economic aspects of a given period or community. Most of her open-ended scenes do not only present just simple tales, but describe the ambiguity and confusion that occurred during the pre-civil war period. Based on the nature and the impact of Walker’s tableaux in understanding the unfolding in during the pre-civil war period in Southern America, it is clear that silhouettes can be vital in freshening individual memories on both unpleasing and pleasing occurrences in the society.
The artwork under scrutiny highlights the manner in which white Americans and their leaders mistreated and tortured black Americans and women during the pre-civil wars in America. Women were subjected to both sexual mistreatment and hard labour that made a good number of them become physically disabled. The arts also present a real picture on how whites used their power in mishandling blacks in the society. Despite endless plead for forgiveness among blacks, white male in the society demonstrated their inhumane natures by beating black Americans without even considering the affairs of small children who under the care of their mothers. Based on the presented silhouettes it is also clear that black Americans carried their masters using their heads and backs.
There is also close relation between the four features under study. All the features present life and the world of black men and women in the pre-civil war period. In reference to the content in the two silhouettes, blacks played a secondary role in the white-dominated world. However, despite encountering complicated lives, this artistic work present hope as eventually the black Americas would be free from white mishandling and mistreatment. In the silhouette, whites have tales an indication of the inhumane nature of whites on the fellow blacks in ancient times. As presented in the features, whites lacked the human heart that can result to a harmonious relationship between men and women.
The four features can also be grouped together to create a continuous plot of a story. This is owes to the fact that, the four pictures were generated at the same historical period to define a specified state of affairs. On the other hand, the four features are draw using similar texture to present the same theme. Although at a frustrating situation, there is also close relation and teamwork between all blacks and women presented in the four silhouettes. This therefore means that it is only teamwork between all women in the society that their freedom can be achieved from inhumane male gender.
Furthermore, there is consistency and coherence between all the features that are under study. Although at different angles and situations, the four pictures have a similar theme are intending to present almost a similar message to the observers. Based on the presented features, it is clear that there is a continuous and systematic manner in which blacks in the society were mistreated by physically and sexually by their male counter. The blacks were not happy with their position; however, they seemed to accept their fate and were comfortable with the state in the society. However, the bright colours in the piece indicates that with time everything will change and blacks will be accorded equal rights and respect just like their white counterparts.
The silhouettes have largely presented a community that is characterised by tension and conflict. There is uncoordinated movement from one section to another. There is also a sense of disharmony in the picture where one section of the community is mishandled by the other section of the society. There also seems to be a fight between female and male genders in the society. All the presented features seem to present a similar theme and idea. A close examination of the all the silhouettes indicates a sense of disharmony between blacks and whites in the society. There is internal conflict in the society where white are dominating and influencing the actions and activities of blacks in the society. In general, the pictures have presented the theme of inequality in the traditional American society.
The Artwork develops a theme of lack of equality in the society. As indicated in the silhouettes it is clear that inequality in the society can result conflict and tension among community members. The effect of inequality is presented in the manner in which blacks in the society are mistreated without considering the effects of the mistreatment to their children.
Work Cited
Kara Walker. Silhouettes are reduction and racial sterotype are also reduction of actual human beings. New York, NY: American press. 2002. Print
