Denzel Tucker
10/1/2014
Art Appreciation
11:30am-12:25pm
Mr. Dunson
Art
Critique #1
The painting I’ve
chosen for my first critique in the Art Appreciation 1010 class is called
“Sugar Shack” created by African American painter Ernie Barnes. I found this
painting during a visit to Canton, Ohio at the NFL Hall of Fame Museum. Sugar Shack made its debut on the
television show entitled “Good Times”.
The painting was used during the
opening and closing credits during the show’s fourth, fifth, and sixth season.
I chose this painting because its shows happiness with men and women dancing
having a good time.
The “Sugar Shack”
painting was designed in the early 1970’s and was later used for the front
album cover of I Want You by Marvin
Gaye. Barnes redesigned this painting for television producer Norman
Lear for the opening credits of Good
Times from 1974 to 1979. This Painting includes a mannerist style, using
brownish serpentine lines, elongation of the human figure, unusual
relationships, painted frames, and distinctive color palettes.
The Sugar Shack portrays a cultural image of a shack
full of black people dancing to show that African-Americans utilize rhythm as a
way of resolving physical tension. This painting acquires the style of art
composition known as “Black Romantic”. This piece is from the African American
culture. It has the unique style of elongation and movement. This piece
acquires strong linear quality and is primarily vertical. The Sugar Shack
painting has more dark yet smooth vibrant colors as it demonstrates a party
scene. Sugar Shack” acquires that emotion only in a juke joint/ party like
atmosphere, dancing and shouting.
I truly feel that this
painting show great positive emotions due to the fact that there is violence
and negativity in many African American communities. I think the picture gives
us viewers an image of good rhythm and enjoying each other’s company. It also
show how dancing can bring people together and have a good time. Ernie Barnes
did an amazing job with this painting and using rhythm as a possible way to
resolve problems.