Mahalia We Love You

Mahalia We Love You

Here, artist Faith Ringgold depicts American gospel singer Mahalia Jackson (1911-1972), as part of a larger series in which the artist pays tribute to the lives and impact of prominent African American musicians, writers, and artists of the twentieth century. The artistic “frame,” used here in a combination of intricate geometric visual patterns, is reminiscent of quilt techniques. Ringgold pieces together black, blue, red, and yellow triangles, including graphic text reading: “Mahalia We Love You.” Ringgold adorns the work with a border of flowers and leaves in primary color. It reads: "Mahalia We Love You; In October of 1911 you were born 100 years ago in New Orleans; You brought a gift of song, praise, and joy to a troubled world. Hallelujah!" While this serigraph includes highly decorative features around the central figure, Ringgold’s hallmark graphic element is text.

Faith Ringgold

6/24/2012

Serigraph

Gift from Dorit Yaron