Diversity and inclusion by Xavier JL

                                                       Diversity and Inclusion in Art

Diversity and inclusion have been important themes in postmodern art, as the movement constantly challenges traditional norms and brings a more inclusive approach to art. Artists often use their work to address social issues, promote diversity, and advocate for minorities or any underrepresented community. 

 

"The Emancipation Approximation", Kara Walker,1999

The first piece I will cover is The Emancipation Approximation by Kara Walker.

Kara Walker is an American artist known for her powerful and provocative works that address issues of race, gender, and identity. She mainly focuses on racial injustices and inequality. The artwork takes the form of a large-scale, black-and-white silhouette. The use of black-and-white silhouettes creates a contrast and gives out a ghost-like quality to the figure, emphasizing the lasting legacy of slavery and its impact on today’s society. Furthermore, the setting of light and shadow creates the illusion of texture. This use of texture adds depth and complexity to the artwork, engaging the viewer's imagination

I personally enjoy this piece. It’s a simple piece at first look but the strong under meaning makes this piece quite interesting.

"Darkytown Rebellion", Kara Walker, 2001

This is another piece from Kara Walker that I enjoy. The installation features a panoramic cut-paper silhouette that goes along the length of the gallery walls. It confronts viewers with racially charged imagery and stereotypes. Like in the first piece I showed of Kara Walker, the black-and-white silhouettes create a contrast that emphasizes the difference between light and dark, good and evil, oppressor and oppressed. Also, Walker's use of panoramic composition guides viewers through a continuous narrative. The non-linear narrative invites multiple interpretations of this piece. Kara Walker has and continues to leave a great print on art that promotes diversity and that put light on the history of Afro-Americans.

"Sunflower Seeds", Ai Weiwei, 2010

Ai Weiwei is a Chinese contemporary artist. He uses various media, including sculpture, installations, and social media, to criticize authoritarianism, advocate for human rights, and address global issues such as the refugee crisis. Sunflower Seed is one of his pieces that brought him a lot of attention and success. This large-scale installation consists of 100 million porcelain sunflower seeds handcrafted by Chinese artisans. Each seed is unique, representing diversity, while all together forming a unified whole, symbolizing the power of collective action and inclusivity. Ai Weiwei uses repetition and color to complete this piece. The uniform color highlights the unity of the installation, emphasizing the collective nature of the artwork while the slight variations in color between each seed add uniqueness and diversity. Overall, I think it’s a bold piece that was very well executed and that has a good place in a museum setting.

"Laundromat", Ai Weiwei,  (2016)

This is another bold and striking piece by Ai Weiwei. This installation features thousands of articles of clothing and personal belongings from refugees and migrants who passed through the Greek island of Lesbos during the European refugee crisis. By showcasing these personal belongings, Ai Weiwei draws attention to the diverse backgrounds and experiences of people forced to leave their homes, promoting empathy and understanding. The varied textures of the clothing, from soft fabrics to rough materials, create a different experience for viewers, further connecting them to the stories of each individual. The composition is intentionally chaotic, simulating the experience of an overcharged laundromat while also showing the conditions the refugees go through. I like this piece because it’s very original and once again can convey to the public its simplicity.

"The Dinner Party", Judy Chicago, (1974-1979)

Judy Chicago is a pioneering feminist artist who has made significant contributions to contemporary art, particularly in the realm of feminist art and gender equality. She is mostly known for this iconic work. This installation features a triangular table with 39 place settings, each representing a significant woman from history. The artwork celebrates women's achievements and contributions to culture. The color palette of "The Dinner Party" is rich and varied, the ceramic plates are painted with vibrant colors, which adds to the visual impact of the installation. The immense size of the table and the place settings create a sense of grandeur and proportion and the shape of the table stands out with its triangular form. I like the concept of this piece and the fact that you can learn a lot from it by just looking at it.

"PowerPlay", Judy Chicago,  (1982-1987)

In this piece, Judy Chicago created a series of mixed-media works that confront gendered power dynamics and the systemic oppression of women. The series includes sculptures, drawings, and prints. Bold and contrasting colors are used to evoke emotions and draw attention to the subject matter.

By using many images, she can tell a story. I like this piece a lot and would hang it in my house. I love the vibrant colors and I think it's a piece that can be very versatile in any setting.

Breaking Down Barriers: Diversity and Inclusion in Contemporary Art, Eden Gallery, https://www.eden-gallery.com/news/breaking-down-barriers-diversity-and-inclusion-in-contemporary-art (2023-07-30)

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Art Canada Institute, Art Canada Institute, https://www.aci-iac.ca/about/diversity-equity-inclusion/ (2023-07-30)