In his work “Black Pope (Sandwich Board Man)” (1973), Charles White emblazoned one word on the enigmatic figure’s sign: “NOW.” While this ambiguous message is at the center of the work’s power, like so much of White’s art, there’s more here than meets the eye.
In this video, exhibition curator Esther Adler and artist Toyin Ojih Odutola, with insight from assistant paper conservator Laura Neufeld and security officer Yannyck Chaka, discuss White’s technical prowess, his ability to depict “images of dignity,” and his groundbreaking collaboration with friend and fellow artist Harry Belafonte.
Charles White: A Retrospective is on view at The Museum of Modern Art until January 13, 2019. Learn more here: mo.ma/charleswhite
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The comments and opinions expressed in this video are those of the speaker alone, and do not represent the views of The Museum of Modern Art, its personnel, or any artist.
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