Young Girl - Senegal 1970

James Lesesne Wells created this print, titled "Young Girl - Senegal," using linoleum cut. Wells, a pivotal figure in the Harlem Renaissance, engaged deeply with African and African American identities. The sharp contrasts and graphic quality of the linocut emphasize the girl’s gaze, drawing us into an intimate encounter. The Senegalese context is evoked through abstracted architectural forms, yet the girl's direct, unwavering look transcends geographical specificity. Wells, like many artists of his time, grappled with representing Black subjects in ways that countered prevailing stereotypes. The choice of medium, linoleum cut, aligns with a broader artistic movement that sought to democratize art-making, breaking away from traditional, elitist forms. This piece invites us to consider the complexities of identity, representation, and the diasporic connections that shaped artistic practices during the Harlem Renaissance and beyond. "Young Girl - Senegal" captures a moment of connection that speaks to the shared humanity across continents, urging us to reflect on the global dimensions of identity and representation.