Melinda
White believed in creating representational art that would connect with the public as well as advocate for racial, economic, and social justice. Active for several decades, White had a profound influence on generations of artists and students. His art consistently reflected his mission to create positive images of Black Americans. He depicted both celebrated people, such as the social reformer Frederick Douglass, and anonymous figures. Childhood was a reoccurring motif in White’s work. Here, White shows the head and shoulders of a young girl, who turns her face to look off the edge of the sheet. While generally a realistic work, the image incorporates elements of abstraction like the deeply textured crosshatching in the girl’s hair.
Artwork Details
- Title: Melinda
- Artist: Charles Wilbert White (American, Chicago, Illinois 1918–1979 Los Angeles, California)
- Printer: Joseph Mugnani (American, born Italy, 1912–1992)
- Printer: Hugo Mugnani (American, 1916–2001)
- Date: 1969
- Medium: Etching and drypoint
- Dimensions: plate: 10 13/16 x 21 13/16 in. (27.5 x 55.4 cm)
sheet: 18 x 27 5/8 in. (45.7 x 70.2 cm) - Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Estate of Martin Birnbaum and Rogers Fund, Transfer from Modern, 1970
- Object Number: 1970.744.5
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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Charles Wilbert White
1970
Charles Wilbert White
1969
Charles Wilbert White
1951
Multiple artists/makers
1969
Multiple artists/makers
1969
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