Ringgold's art - a visual symphony that harmonizes activism Favorite 

Practitioner: 

Date: 

Jan 1 1997

Location: 

United States

Faith Ringgold is a successful painter, sculptor, mixed-media artist, author, feminist, and political activist. She is particularly known for her narrative quilts, as she explores identity, race, family ties, as well as cultural and political topics through her many different forms of storytelling.

“I have always wanted to tell my story or, more to the point, my side of the story” - Faith Ringgold

She bridges the rich heritage of the US' Harlem Renaissance to the vibrant voices of young Black artists today. Her brushstrokes engage in a spirited dialogue with the art scene of early 20th century Paris, challenging the status quo and shedding light on marginalized narratives.

Ringgold's art is a visual symphony that harmonizes activism. A great example of this is in one of her pieces, called "The Flag is Bleeding #2", where she utilizes her signature quilting technique to portray an African American woman on the American flag amidst scenes of holding on to her children as she bleeds. With evocative imagery, Ringgold confronts issues of injustice, inspiring reflection and a call to action for positive transformation.

More details about the painting: "The red stripes are portrayed as dripping blood. In this painting though, there is also blood dripping from the woman's breasts as her two children cling to her legs. The woman's face and majority of her body is set on a different plane that is behind the stars and stripes, but her children are not. The American flag is a symbol of freedom and meant to represent all of the people of the United States. However, by putting the woman of color behind the stars. it shows that at this time, the identity of women of color and people of color in general is obscured or not included in the symbol of unity. The people of color are a part of the nation, but not truly accepted/embraced, and they lack the freedoms and rights that the flag represents. The children are not behind the stripes because they represent a new generation, one in which people of color gain true membership and equal rights" (blogspot).

(From Global Citizen)

External sources: 

https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/artists-activists-using-creativity-for-…
https://aoepiscopal.scot/picturing-prayers/the-flag-is-bleeding-8-june-2020/
Posted by nhiiiian on Apr 29 2024

Staff rating: 

0

Effectiveness

How does this project help?

Amplifies (issue or campaign)Brings public and political attention to an issue or campaign.  Can include prefigurative action, making the invisible visible.
Activates (people)Energizes and organizes people into action. Can include emotion work
Strengthens (community)Strengthens, builds and celebrates community through ritual and/or symbol.

Timeframe For change

This project seems to be part of a campaign with a clear short-term goal. Short-term goals tend to be things like: create or repeal a law; get a President impeached; make the city administration repair a sidewalk. A campaign with a short-term goal needs a clear theory of change, complete with targets that can be cajoled or pressured into effecting the goal.
elicit emotional responses from viewers about the issues of race, identity and social injustice
This project seems to be part of a campaign with a clear long-term goal. Long-term goals tend to be things like: end racism; end homophobia; make the sun stand still in the sky. A campaign with a long-term goal also needs to have some kind of theory of change.
contribute to social equity

Notes

Her work received significant attention within the art world and engaged diverse audiences in discussions about race, identity, social justice and American history. This work challenges dominant narratives and amplify marginalized voices, address social issues and promote inclusivity.