Have you ever used a needle and thread? Stitches can be used to make pictures. Doctors and nurses also use stitches to suture wounds. Before Target, Amazon and Walmart people used to have to make their own blankets and clothes. Because clothes were so expensive, they also had to know how to repair clothes if they got ripped or stained.
This is a piece of art by Tschabalala Self. She is an African American artist who loves to use paint and fabric to create portraits. Tschabala has a studio in Harlem, New York. Look at the image above. What is the young man wearing? What is on his jacket? What do you notice in the background?
Image courtesy of Tschabalala Self's website.
Tschabalala studied at Yale University and Bard College. It has always been important for her to talk about her identity as a black woman living in America through her paintings. She has not always felt safe or welcome because of her race. Her work invites conversation about how unfairly black people are treated in the United States and how more needs to be done for the safety of black people in this country.
Tschabalala also loves to include images of Harlem such as bodegas and corner stores. Think about the last time you went into a store. Who did you see inside and what did you buy?
This man is enjoying a beverage on the sidewalk outside of a deli. Do you enjoy a cold beverage outside on a hot day? What do you drink to cool off? Notice the beautiful hand sewn details on his Nikes.
This woman is enjoying something delicious. Notice her denim jeans, belt and her shoes. Tschabalala loves to use recycled/discarded fabric in her compositions. She cuts out the best pieces and carefully places them on large canvases. Sometimes she draws or paints on top of the fabric. What products do you notice inside this shop?
This woman is talking to the cashier. What do you think they are talking about? Do you know the cashier when you visit a store? Right now people working in stores are putting their health at risk to make sure people can buy the food and drinks they need. Make sure to be polite and always say thank you to the people who help you.
Have you seen any of these products before? Now that we are stuck at home you might have to help more with chores and cleaning. Which products and labels stand out to you?
Do you have a front porch or a stoop at your house? I like to sit on my front steps to read. My daughters like to go outside to eat popsicles. We like to listen to people playing music in their cars. We see people walking their dogs or jogging. Do you feel safe in your neighborhood? Do you play outside with other neighbors or family members?
Watch Tschabalala cut and position pieces onto a canvas.
Activities
Create a collage of a person on the street or in a convenience store. Feel free to work from personal experience or your imagination. Cut pieces of paper from magazines, newspapers and the recycle bin. You can even tear labels off of products you've used and glue them to paper. You can also make a drawing if you don't have collage materials at home.
Bonus activity- Draw or make a collage of products in your house such as laundry detergents, soap, toilet paper, shampoo, cleaning supplies etc.
Discussion questions: Have you felt unsafe in spaces outside of your home because of your race? Have you ever seen someone behaving in a way that is racist? Did you confront them or talk to an adult about it? Please make sure to tell an adult or teacher if you are uncomfortable. It is better to talk about racism than to ignore the problem or pretend it didn't happen whether you are the target of racism or if you just saw someone else being racist.
I love all of you and I am very heartbroken about George Floyd's death. Please talk to your families or teachers if you are feeling anxious or sad. I wish I could be there to give you a hug. I worry about you everyday we aren't in school. Art is a wonderful way to get your feelings out so I encourage you to draw or write things down especially if you don't feel like talking about it. Please send me any photos of drawings that you've made. Love, Mrs. Thaden