Deserted House 1935 - 1943

Editor: This is "Deserted House," a print made by Charles Alston sometime between 1935 and 1943. The bleak landscape and abandoned house give it a somber, almost unsettling feeling. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Beyond the surface-level somberness, I see Alston engaging with broader conversations around displacement and the socio-economic realities of Black communities during the Great Depression. What does this 'deserted house' symbolize in the context of the Black Arts Movement? Editor: I see what you mean. The house isn't just abandoned; it’s a symbol of loss. A broken promise, maybe? Curator: Precisely! And Alston's work often grapples with such symbolism, situated at the intersection of personal experience and collective history. Look at the wilting tree - could that be Alston hinting at the systemic forces at play leading to decay and dereliction, specifically impacting Black homes and lives? Consider the policies and practices that created these realities. How does this drawing speak to the unfulfilled promises of the American Dream? Editor: So, the bleakness isn't just aesthetic; it's a commentary on social and economic injustice. And the ‘deserted house’ becomes a symbol of a community abandoned, not just a literal building. Curator: Exactly. It’s about uncovering the layers of meaning embedded in the image – understanding it not just as a landscape, but as a site of cultural and political significance. Considering Alston's broader oeuvre, and his engagement with social realism, what does this work tell us about his position on racial and economic inequality? Editor: I never would have considered all of that just by looking at it. Seeing art as an extension of social and historical movements makes it all the more compelling. Curator: Indeed! The power of art lies in its ability to spark dialogue and critical engagement. Now, next artwork!