No More Games (Study #1) 1970

Editor: So, this is Benny Andrews' "No More Games (Study #1)," created in 1970. It's a drawing, seemingly simple with just lines, yet it has a profound presence. There's a quiet dignity in the figure’s posture. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Considering the socio-political landscape of 1970, particularly regarding African American identity and the Civil Rights Movement, this drawing speaks volumes. It's a study, yes, but also a statement. Think about the Black Arts Movement Andrews was associated with – it emphasized self-determination and cultural pride. The direct gaze of the figure challenges the viewer, wouldn't you agree? Editor: I do. It’s confrontational but also vulnerable somehow. What’s the significance of it being “just” a drawing, given the movement’s goals? Curator: The apparent simplicity is deceptive. The accessibility of drawing as a medium meant it could reach a broader audience, bypassing the established art world gatekeepers. This allowed for a more direct and unfiltered message, which was crucial for the Black Arts Movement's aims. Furthermore, sketch-like works can capture immediate emotions and truths more powerfully than highly polished pieces. Who gets to portray a subject and how, are powerful historical markers. Editor: That makes sense. It challenges traditional art institutions by using their tools, but on its own terms. The “no more games” title seems to echo that sentiment. Curator: Exactly. It’s a rejection of societal "games," particularly those aimed at marginalizing and misrepresenting African Americans. This image stakes a claim, declaring an end to such manipulation within the art world and broader social structures. Do you find that the visual rawness affects how we understand it? Editor: Absolutely. Knowing the context of the Black Arts Movement completely shifts my perspective. Thanks for that. I initially saw a simple sketch, but now I recognize a powerful political statement. Curator: And hopefully you will never look at a drawing the same way.