Elizabeth Catlett's artworks and social justice work reflect a concern for racial equality in the United States.
In 1946, Catlett was forced to leave the United States upon being harassed by the House Un-American Activities committee for her activism. She moved to Mexico, which is where she learned printmaking techniques, including how to make eye-catching lithographs.
Much of Catlett's work is centered on strong Black women and aspects of motherhood. In Black Maternity (1959) we see a loving embrace between a mother and child and in Skipping Rope (1958), Catlett depicts playfulness.
Six lithographs in this exhibition were inspired by Margaret Walker's "For My People" poem, which uplifts the perseverance and triumphs of Black Americans amongst inequality. In 1992, Walker and Catlett collaborated to create an illustrated version of the acclaimed poem. These lithographs include references to musical traditions, the innocence of childhood, a never-ending fear of violence, and inspiration of a courageous future. Images of all six pieces are shown below.
This exhibition is being displayed alongside Feeding the Stone: Marianne Lieberman. Lieberman found inspiration in Catlett's printmaking and you can see many similarities in their artistic processes. Both artists faced discrimination based on race and gender, had to flee their homes, and found strength through these experiences to uplift other women. While their circumstances were different, art allowed both Catlett and Lieberman to process their emotions and inspire a future generation of artists.
Links to More Information About Elizabeth Catlett:
window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];
function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}
gtag('js', new Date());
gtag('config', 'G-QKZ7PPZ87K');
___________________________
Created by RJ Maupin, Library Volunteer
