Denzel Tucker Art Appreciation Critique One

 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.