Rainey Cheeks 1992

Nancy Andrews made this gelatin silver print, "Rainey Cheeks," sometime in the late 20th or early 21st century. It depicts a man gazing upwards, his hands raised as if in supplication or visionary transport. The social history of photography provides a relevant context. As a medium, photography has always been associated with ideas of truth and objectivity, but these qualities have often been deployed to create stereotypes, particularly of marginalized groups. Andrews’ portrait seems to be in dialogue with this history. The upward gaze and dramatic lighting lend the subject a spiritual quality, countering stereotypical depictions of Black men that have circulated in the media. The image is dignified. As historians, we can look to the artist’s other works, statements, and interviews to understand her intentions. We might also investigate the social and cultural climate in which it was created, researching representations of African Americans in art and popular culture during that time. This helps us to understand how Andrews’ portrait participates in a visual conversation about race, representation, and power.