This piece is powerful and was created by Norman Rockwell, a highly influential American Press illustrator, from New York. When I first came upon this painting I was enraged, hurt, and confused but ultimately once those emotions passed I noticed that I was extremely inspired as well. I immediately thought about the Civil Rights movement, which is the reason behind this piece. Aside from capturing my attention, this image was powerful because of the plethora of messages I was given. This piece speaks of injustice, segregation, pain, courage and overall activism. This piece speaks of activism to me because when the world is against you, which it was for African Americans during the time that this piece was created, to go about one’s life as an African American with one’s head held high, is defiance in the most courageous way.
This piece shows me that no one can stop us, for where there is a will there most certainly is a way.
Hi Daniela,
I would definitely agree, My very first time seeing this piece of work moved me. As far as always finding a way to create a better change not only for ourselves but for the individuals around us as well. Though whenever we go back to segregation times not as much actually seemed to be as fair whenever we’d look from perspectives like Ruby Bridge’s.
Hi Daniela!!
This is the first time I’ve ever seen this piece. I really like it, it’s so powerful. I think Norman Rockwell is a fantastic artist and I’m glad this is the piece you chose to share. =)
Classic!
Hi Daniela!
I absolutely love Norman Rockwell’s work… This specific piece is so powerful. I resonate with your confusion and anger when seeing this image for the first time but came to realize that even though this looks disheartening, this image is depicting a beautiful moment in history. I believe that it’s meant to be Ruby Bridges, the first Black girl to attend an all-white school. That is exactly what artistic activism is all about- to evoke emotion and create change.
This photo reminds me of Ruby Bridges. It looks like in the photo that a little girl is being escorted somewhere by government officials. I think she couldn’t walk safely by herself because of the people who have hatred for the color of her skin .
Hey Daniele,
Thank you for sharing this beautiful art piece. I don’t think that I have seen it before but it speaks a lot of volumes. You mentioned how it made you feel enraged and hurt which I think is good because this painting is capturing a part of history and is delivering a message of like you said injustice to the viewer.