How did the works of Kara Walker and other contemporary figurative painters address themes of race and slavery in art?

Kara Walker is a contemporary artist whose works explore the themes of race, gender, and power through the use of silhouettes. Her work often focuses on the history of slavery in the United States, and her use of silhouettes is a reference to the popular art form of the 19th century, which was often used to depict slave life.

Other contemporary figurative painters have also addressed themes of race and slavery in their works. For example, Kerry James Marshall’s paintings often depict Black people in everyday life, with a focus on the beauty and complexity of Black culture. He also explores themes of Black identity and history, often drawing on his own experiences growing up in the 1960s and 1970s.

Mickalene Thomas is another artist whose work addresses themes of race and gender. Her paintings often feature Black women, and she uses a variety of materials, including rhinestones and glitter, to create intricate and textured works that challenge traditional notions of beauty and femininity.

These artists and others like them are part of a larger movement of contemporary artists who are exploring themes of race, identity, and power in their work. By using figurative painting to address these themes, they are able to create powerful and thought-provoking works that challenge the viewer’s assumptions about race and power.