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albolton's picture

Sojourner Truth

Submitted by albolton on Wed, 09/05/2007 - 9:44pm.

The plate presents a very powerful image, but it's hard to separate what it tells us about Sojourner Truth from what it tells us about Judy Chicago. 

To me, Sojourner Truth's salient characteristic was the extraordinary dignity and self-possession she seemed to have "despite" her status as woman and slave, and which comes out so strongly in the Ain't I a Woman" speech.  I think the middle face could portray that serene self-posssession.  It is the one facing the viewer which may be significant.  Behind that dignity (supporting it?) Chicago shows powerful grief and anger (the faces on either side), which we assume Sojourner must have experienced.  But as Anonymous posted, maybe the emphasis is skewed, and I think possibly by Judy Chicago's world view.

 Wish I had time to think or write more about this, but I seem to be already way  behind on the reading and work is kind of crazy this week.  Looking forward to learning with you all.

 --Alex '65

 

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