Excerpt from HYCIDE Magazine: The Art Issue
WAGES OF WHITENESS
words by David J. Leonard
“The election of Barack Obama led to predictions of a new
racial tomorrow. Longing to
fulfill the dreams of the Civil Rights Movement, many speculated about America’s
continued racial progress, wondering if 2008 would be the start of a
post-racial epoch in the U.S.
While they expressed hope for a world where race no longer determines opportunities, fantasies of a raceless America often reflect a desire to stop
talking about race.
But a group of scholars, activists, and artists viewed the
2008 election not as a moment for celebration but a time for conversation and
confrontation. In an art world
long defined by Whiteness, these EuroAmerican artists tackle the issue of White
privilege and White supremacy.
Seizing upon the complacency and satisfaction surrounding the election
of America’s first Black president to challenge widespread denial, these artists
continue to critically challenge society’s refusal and reluctance to talk about
race……
Suzanne Broughel uses art to launch uncomfortable
conversations about race, exploring how it can dismantle long-held assumptions
when viewers have their guards down.
Whiteness within an American landscape functions as the normal,
as the invisible, as the point of comparison. Broughel not only highlights the realities of racism past
and present, but also invites White viewers to see themselves and confront the
privileges of Whiteness….”
Read the entire article or purchase a copy of the magazine at this link.
