Neuberger Museum of Art

AMERICAN PEOPLE, BLACK LIGHT:

FAITH RINGGOLD'S PAINTINGS OF THE 1960s

September 11-December 19, 2010

Today, Faith Ringgold is well known as the progenitor of the African American story quilt revival that began in the late 1970s.

The once influential paintings she created during the previous decade, with only a few notable exceptions, disappeared from view, omitted from critical, art historical discourse for more than forty years.

On the occasion of Ringgold’s 80th birthday, the Neuberger Museum of Art has organized the first comprehensive survey of these paintings.

The exhibition will include the landmark series American People (1963-1967) and Black Light (1967-1971), along with related murals and political posters.

Taken together, these works represent an unprecedented artistic exploration of the intersections of race, gender and class, made in direct response to the social upheavals of the 1960s.

NEU FOR TEACHERS: DOWNLOAD LESSON PLANS

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Below hear Faith Ringgold and curator Tracy Fitzpatrick

discuss the history of the artist's painting For the Women's House

created for the Riker's Island Correctional Facility, how it was

rescued from destruction, and its subsequent release from

prison for this exhibition.