Museum Description: This museum is dedicated to artwork that displays activism from different movements, including the civil rights movement, the women's rights movement, and the Gay rights movement. This is important to me because art is considered an act of activism and to look at art and feel the passion that the artists convey is very powerful to me and I hope that people can feel the same when they look at these artworks.
Impact Statement: As you leave this museum I hope you leave with a new perspective on these movements. Even if you do not agree with the artwork displayed. I hope you at least leave with one things. I hope you can feel the passion and the resilience that the artists felt from making this art. I hope you can see the power they are conveying when you see these artworks. I hope you see the hope in their art as they hope for a better future. I hope this artwork has an impact on their world as people reflect on their values and to put love and unity over everything.
Room One: Unite the people
This room is dedicated to artwork from people mainly African Americans fighting for their rights in the 1950s during the height of segregation and the Jim Crowe era when African Americans were heavily discriminated against because of their skin color. Due to this discrimination, a lot of African Americans were not allowed to eat at certain restaurants, go to certain schools, go to certain outings, etc. Fourtanely with the rise of the Civil Rights Movement and the NCAAP. Segregation was deemed illegal and Jim Crow laws were diminished. These artworks are dedicated to work and the resilience that African Americans had to fight for what's right.
"Civil Rights Congress" by Elizabeth Catlett, 1949
"The Problem We All Live," by Norman Rockwell, 1962
"Soldiers and Students" by Jacob Lawrence, 1962
"Civil Rights Congress" by Elizabeth Catlett 1949
(CONTENT) In the painting, it shows a little African American boy sitting on a chair, and behind him is a skeleton dressed in KKK attire holding a noose, behind the skeleton is an older African American man holding back the skeleton from touching the little boy. I decided to add this painting to this room because it shows how much the Civil Rights Movement and the NCAAP helped in gaining rights for African Americans and other POC in America during the Jim Crow era. The artwork uses lots of elements to show its message. The message is about the power of unity and activism in the Civil Rights Movement. The symbols, like the raised fist, represent resistance and determination. The cultural values of equality and solidarity are shown through the strong, connected figures, emphasizing the importance of standing together for civil rights. The artwork reflects the spirit of activism during this time.
"The Problem We All Live" by Norman Rockwell ,1962
(CONTENT) This artwork shows Ruby Bridges, when she was just 6 years old when she became the first black child to attend an all white school. This came with very heavy backlash as many white students and many white parents did not agree with this and protested and even took kids out of their school. Ruby Bridges was met with insults from parents and children and even had to be protected by the government. Despite that Ruby Bridges still attended school and played the biggest part of integration in schools. Because of her bravery kids were able to receive any education regardless of their skin color. The art is about the challenges African American children faced when trying to attend all-white schools. The symbols, like Ruby walking past angry crowds, show the hatred and resistance to integration. The cultural values of equality and justice are shown by showing the struggles of those fighting for civil rights. The artwork calls attention to the problem of racism in America.
"Soldiers and Students" by Jacob Lawrence, 1962
(CONTENT) This artwork shows the fear and anger during school desegregation in the civil rights era. The painting shows three armed guards escorting Black students while white protesters block the school entrance.This artwork is a reference the scene to the Little Rock Nine, who integrated Central High School in 1957, and James Meredith, who faced protests at the University of Mississippi in 1962. The message is about fighting for equality and the challenges faced by African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. The symbols, like the soldiers and students, show the clash between power and the fight for change. The cultural values of resistance and civil rights are shown through the conflict between these groups, representing the struggle for justice and freedom. The artwork reflects the tension and the need for change at the time.
Room Two: respect the people
These rooms are dedicated to artworks by women that represent women in a way that is not traditional. These pieces of work represent women artists breaking societal norms and making their own rules and demanded to be respected. It shows artworks from different races of women showing that as much as feminism in important, intersectionality is also very important as it shows that not every woman experience is the same thing and it makes more room for women from different walks of life.
"The Dinner Party" by Judy Chicago (1974-1979)
"Portrait of the Artist as the Virgen of Guadalupe" by Yolanda Lopez, 1978
"A Little Taste Outside of Love" by Mickalene Thomas,2007
"The Dinner Party" by Judy Chicago (1974-1979)
(CONTENT) The Dinner Party by Judy Chicago is an artwork that honors important women from history. It is a big triangular table with 39 seats, each for a woman who made a difference in the world. Each seat has a special plate and tablecloth decorated to show who the woman was and what she did. The floor under the table has the names of 999 other women to honor them too. This artwork is important because it honors women artists especially because throughout history womens achievements are often ignored or they are credited to their male counterparts. uses form and content to celebrate women’s history. The shape of the triangular table symbolizes equality, with each of the 39 place settings dedicated to a significant woman. The color and texture of the plates, along with the symbols on each, express the achievements of these women, connecting them to their cultural contexts. The implied content focuses on the feminist message of reclaiming overlooked women’s contributions, while the expressed content is the clear acknowledgment and celebration of their legacies through the pattern of the artwork.
Yolanda Lopez, Portrait of the Artist as the Virgen of Guadalupe,1978
(CONTENT) This artwork reimagines the famous Virgen of Guadalupe as a strong, modern woman. By placing herself in the role of the Virgen, López challenges the traditional, passive image of women in religious art. This artwork helped support feminism by showing women as powerful, active figures rather than just followers. It encouraged women to see themselves as leaders and symbols of strength, promoting gender equality and breaking away from old stereotypes. the art shows a strong link to Mexican culture and religion more specifically catholicm. The message is about the strength and identity of women, especially Chicana women, as Lopez changes the Virgen of Guadalupe into a more modern and personal figure. The symbols in the art, like the halo and robe, are inspired by the traditional Virgin, but Lopez shows herself as a powerful, real woman. The cultural values of feminism and Chicano pride are shown by making the Virgin feel more human and less like an idealized image. This artwork challenges old views and celebrates identity and culture.
Mickalene Thomas A Little Taste Outside of Love,2007
(FORM) Mickalene Thomas creates large artworks that challenge how Black women are shown in art. She reimagines the classic image of a woman lounging, with a Black woman as the main subject. The woman appears confident and powerful, flipping the usual portrayal of passive beauty. Inspired by the Black Power Movement and her mother’s photos, Thomas gives a new and stronger role to Black women in art. This work changes old traditions, where white women were often shown in similar scenes with a Black maidservant like Olympia 1856. The art uses curved lines to shape the figures and give them a smooth, flowing look. The organic shapes of the bodies and background create a natural, relaxed feeling. The color palette is rich with warm tones like browns, oranges, and reds, making the scene feel inviting. The light is soft and creates shadows, showing the figures and adding depth to the artwork. The proportions of the figures are exaggerated, making them stand out and feel larger in the space.
Room 3: love the people
This room shows artwork that shows the experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community, focusing on their strength, creativity, and resilience. Each piece shares stories of both struggle and pride, showing how the community has faced challenges and celebrated victories. The artists use their work to break stereotypes and show the true diversity of LGBTQIA+ people. Theres art that address the impact of the AIDS crisis, remembering those who were lost and raising awareness about its effects. The art expresses love, courage, and empowerment, turning hardship into something beautiful.
"Ignorance = Fear" by Keith Haring 1989
AIDS Untitled, 2024
"One Day This Kid" by David Wojnarowicz’s ,1990
Keith Haring "Ignorance = Fear" 1989
(CONTEXT) Keith Haring’s Ignorance = Fear, 1989 was created during the height of the AIDS crisis, a time when misinformation and fear surrounding the disease were rampant. The bold imagery and message of the painting aimed to raise awareness and fight the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, especially within the gay community. Haring, an openly gay artist, used his art as a way to rethink their way of the LGBTQ community with the AIDS epidemic, encouraging people to confront the truth about the virus and its impact. By making the painting public, Keith Haring helped to spark conversations and support the gay rights movement, promoting both education and solidarity. Keith Haring uses line to create bold, simple outlines that define the figures and symbols, making them easy to recognize. The shapes are exaggerated and simplistic, contributing to the piece's form, where the figures are flat but powerful in their message. The use of color is striking, with high-contrast hues like yellow and black to draw attention and emphasize the urgency of the message. The texture is implied, as the smooth lines and solid colors give a sense of sharpness and clarity. Haring’s effective use of space helps convey the message clearly, with the figures being the focal point against a minimal background.
"AIDS" Untitled, 2024
(CONTEXT) This artwork I found on X by @Schmrgl. This art is depicted by showing how AIDS devasted the gay community in the 80s as it took over 400,000 lives. The lightbulbs represent individuals apart of the LGBTQ community and the ones that are broken or off represent the lives that were taken by AIDS while the ones that are lit represent the ones who made it. The showing that majority are not lit is a reflection on how much damage AIDS caused to the LGBTQ community. The repetitive use of dark, unlit bulbs contrasts with the few glowing ones, symbolizing loss, awareness, and resilience during a time of widespread ignorance and fear about the epidemic. This piece was influenced by the time as the 1980s when the AIDS crisis was at its height, marked by activism, stigma, and public health challenges. The contrast between light and darkness adds emotional depth, while the use of simple shapes, like the repeated bulbs, makes the message clear and direct. This combination of value and repetition helps emphasize the heavy and urgent topic.
David Wojnarowicz’s Untitled "One Day This Kid",1990
(CONTENT) This artwork shows a little outlined with bold texts and dark colors, making it feel intense and full of emotion. The rough texture adds to the sense of struggle and pain, showing the difficult reality for LGBTQ people, especially during the AIDS crisis. The image of a little boy in a dangerous situation speaks to the discrimination and challenges faced by LGBTQ youth as it goes in detail the obstacles this kid will face because of his sexuality. This artwork helped raise awareness about these issues and gave a voice to the LGBTQ community, pushing for more support and change. The artowkr shows the composition focuses on a little boy in a tough environment. The lines are sharp and rough, showing the feeling of danger and struggle. The color is dark, with strong contrasts of light and shadow, which makes the scene feel serious and intense. The space around the figure is tight, drawing your attention directly to them. The texture feels rough and gritty, showing the harshness of the world around the person.
Exit Message
As you leave this museum, I hope you feel the passion behind these different movements. These artworks show how people, even during the hardest times, never gave up and fought for their right to be treated as equals. I hope this museum inspires you to learn more about these movements and reminds you that change is possible. Even when the world feels tough or unfair, there are always people who care and are willing to fight for what’s right. Let their stories remind you that hope and action can lead to a better future for everyone.