Teaser (Black Athlete Study #2) 1970

Editor: So, this is Benny Andrews’s "Teaser (Black Athlete Study #2)," from 1970. It’s a line drawing. There’s something both playful and precarious about the figure clinging to what looks like a basketball hoop while dangling…is that an orange? What do you see in this piece? Curator: Well, considering this was created in 1970, amidst the Civil Rights Movement and growing awareness of racial inequality, I see it as a powerful statement about the complex position of Black athletes in American society. The title "Teaser" is provocative, suggesting the athlete is being dangled, offered something just out of reach. Editor: I see that now! Like they’re almost there, but not quite. It also feels quite… exposed. Vulnerable, maybe? Curator: Exactly! The bare line work emphasizes the vulnerability. He's presented stripped down, clinging to this structure. The basketball hoop, a symbol of aspiration and success, becomes almost like a cage. Consider also the cultural context – were Black athletes being truly celebrated for their skills, or were they being exploited? Editor: It definitely makes you think about the public perception versus the private struggles. Did Andrews make other pieces like this? Curator: He did. Andrews often used his art to address social issues, particularly those affecting the Black community. This drawing is part of a larger body of work exploring themes of identity, struggle, and resilience within a broader socio-political landscape. He wants us to consider who controls the game, on and off the court. Editor: That adds a whole new layer of understanding. Thanks, I'm seeing much more in it now, how art reflects social issues of its time. Curator: And hopefully, prompts us to think about those same issues today. Art serves as a mirror, reflecting the past to inform our present.