Stolen Farms is a visually appealing painting with a strong, clear message. Painted as a multi-color aerial view of farmland, the property lines marked by a change in color. The colors used are very bright and appealing, yet the title suggests that these are stolen farms, a distinctly negative connotation. This title leads one to ask, who stole these farms, and from whom?
A potential answer lies in the historical reality of the aftermath of the Civil War. Though freed slaves were promised a parcel of land to assist them in making their way as free people, this promise was never fulfilled. Therefore, these plots of land were stolen from their rightful owners, the slaves who had worked them during in the Antebellum South.
Yet the picture is not all bleak in this painting. One strong, vibrant black patch remains in the piece. This represents the continuing ambition and perseverance of African-Americans. The power and strength of this force is indicated by the intense color saturation of this block.
©1998-2009 Claretta Taylor Webb. All Rights Reserved
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