Romare Bearden in details

Posted byydegboePosted inArt of the week

 A lot needs to be said about Romare Bearden. He was an African-American artist. His family moved from the South to New York City when he was young. He loved music and jazz. He loved cats too. Indeed, a lot needs to be said about Romare Bearden, but it is in the details that the art thinkers got to know him better. We explored Romare Bearden’s piece “the Conversation”, 1979 in one of our session.

The Conversation, 1979 by Romare Bearden

Nature

Nature is the first element that captures the art thinkers’ attention. One thinker noticed a river running in between the fields, another one contradicted their statement, pointing out that the fields were in fact a pond. There are no right or wrong answers, there is simply more attention to details that help build a broader story and highlight the message the artist wants to pass. Nature is overflowing this artwork with mountains in the background, a gigantic sky and a bright sun, but nothing sounded more fascinating to one art thinker than the number of leaves and branches in the tiny bush next to the hen. Attention to details. 

The Industry

One art thinker quickly identified a factory at the center of the piece and zoomed on the open window on top. Several kids commented about the train and its destination but none about where it came from. I am always surprised at what kids actually pay attention to. It is never what I anticipate.

The Conversation

The comments about the two main figures of the artwork were captivating. “They are sisters,” said one art thinker. “The oldest one is here, and the little sister is here,” said another one. “ They look like they are sharing a secret and talking slowly,” said another kid. “I like their earrings.” mentioned another art thinker while touching their ears. I have seen this artwork many times, but never have I imagined so vividly what these two figures were sharing with one another. 

Guiding kids in critical thinking exercises through art is about all these details that keep unraveling themselves every time someone new look at them. The thinking is in the details. The details make the story.