Ticket-Taker at Griffith Stadium c. 1944

James Amos Porter created "Ticket-Taker at Griffith Stadium" using oil on canvas. In this piece, Porter captures a bustling scene outside a baseball stadium, likely during the mid-20th century, a time of significant social change and racial segregation in America. Note the clear division of labor and space within the composition. The black ticket-taker, dressed in white, stands prominently in the foreground, a literal gatekeeper. The white patrons stream past. This arrangement subtly underscores the racial dynamics of the era, reflecting the complex roles African Americans held in public life. Porter himself navigated a career as an artist and art historian during a time when opportunities for black artists were limited. His work often explores themes of identity, representation, and the African American experience. "Ticket-Taker" embodies a sense of place and human activity while speaking to broader societal issues. It invites us to reflect on who has access, who controls the entry, and how these dynamics shape our shared spaces.