We came across some interesting artwork featured in one of our previous posts. The character’s displayed on this t-shirt triggered an emotional debate in our office. The question lies in the inspiration of the characters featured; and whether or not it comes from the “right place”?
Do you consider this a “work of art” or “offensive work”?
After the jump are illustrations that some felt this piece referenced (THE ARTWORK AFTER THE JUMP IS NOT CREATED BY THE ARTIST FEATURED ABOVE)
Featured Artwork:
Is the art displayed above “rooted” from the images below???
Well when you put it like that…
OFFENSIVE WORK!!! I hate those kind of portrait or work of arts, Per say! THATS NOT ART!!!
Since the begining of time Black People have been potrayed as bufoons. For many years, Robinson’s fruit jelly had such art work, on its product. The famous racist figure named a gollywog, is a clowny, jesterery character. He is the token black person, he is not aggresive character. He is happy, even though he is dressed like a clown. He is happy to be laughed at. A lot have black people in the media are over jolly. It would be nice to see realistic black people, whom represent the masses. And is proud of their african heritage. Very difficult, when the media is constantly pushing images of mixed raced people. Whom are the Noveau Black. In reality, these people are the most famous singers, highest held esteemed poloticians etc. In the black reality, these people do not always represent our view and opinions. You cannot blame these figures, this system has hierachy and that is the way it is set. Blacks to the bottom/ back, yellow in the middle and whites at the top! And you just try and change that, i dear you! This system has no pity and will get rid of you quicker than you can spell Alquaeda! Can i just add, i couldnt sleep for 3 days after hiati new reports. The images of the people whom had passed. There was no dignity there! And i always find blacks are exploited in life and now even in death. very distressing! Shame on you white people!
This is not cool! When I 1st saw the photo, I had to look at it twice. Then after I looked at the historical context of the reference photos…I knew i wasn’t going crazy. The artist should have been a bit more responsible to create such a character. I saw this on Hypebeast for some collaboration Nike did with an artist…I’m not feeling it!!! This sh*t is OFFENSIVE
And alas! after doing a bit of research we find that it was created by a white South African designer… why am I not surprised?