Father and Child 2002

Curator: We’re looking at "Father and Child" by John Wilson. Wilson, born in 1922, was deeply committed to social justice. This piece is located here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The charcoal is so raw, almost violently applied, especially in the figures' faces. It conveys a weighty tenderness, if that makes sense. Curator: It does. Wilson often used stark contrasts to highlight the complexities of human relationships, particularly within the Black community. Editor: The child seems almost fused to the father. It's as if they’re sharing the same skin, or perhaps carrying each other's burdens. Curator: Yes, and notice the historical context of the Civil Rights Movement. Wilson aimed to depict dignity amidst struggle, challenging prevalent stereotypes. Editor: It makes you wonder about the unspoken dialogue between them, the silent passing down of resilience. Curator: Exactly. Wilson's work provides a poignant commentary on the personal and political. Editor: It's a powerful reminder that intimacy can be a form of resistance.