2.21 Legacies of Resistance in African American Art and Photography

Welcome to 2.21: Legacies of Resistance in African American Art and Photography

How do we remember heroes? Is it through the stories people tell, or through the images we see? In this chapter, we explore how visual art and photography became powerful tools of resistance. By looking at images of Harriet Tubman, we can see how Black Americans moved from being "objects" in history to being the "authors" of their own legacies. We will look at both historical photographs and a modern masterpiece to see how the spirit of resistance continues today.

The Power of the Lens: Harriet Tubman in Photography

Photography was a revolutionary technology in the 19th century. For African Americans, it was a way to claim their humanity and dignity in a society that often tried to deny both. Our focus here is on three Harriet Tubman photographs taken between 1868 and 1908.

Why These Photos Matter

Harriet Tubman is one of the most famous figures in the Abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad. However, most people during her lifetime only knew her through stories. These photographs allowed the public to see the woman behind the legend.

• Self-Presentation: In these photos, Tubman chose how she wanted to be seen. Whether she is pictured as a young woman ready for action or as an elderly, respected community leader, she radiates strength and resilience.
• Evolution of an Icon: The range of dates (1868–1908) shows Tubman’s transition from a fugitive who led others to freedom to a national icon who fought for women’s rights and cared for the elderly.
• Documenting Resistance: Photography proved that African Americans were not just victims of slavery, but active agents of change. These images served as visual proof of Black leadership and bravery.

Quick Tip: When looking at historical photos, ask yourself: "What is the person's expression? What are they wearing?" In Tubman's case, her calm but firm gaze often tells a story of determination.

Key Takeaway: Historical photography was a tool for self-representation. It allowed African Americans like Harriet Tubman to control their own image and leave a lasting record of their resistance against oppression.

Modern Resistance: Bisa Butler’s "I Go to Prepare a Place for You"

Resistance isn't just something that happened in the past; it is a living legacy. To understand this, we look at the 2021 artwork "I Go to Prepare a Place for You" by the artist Bisa Butler.

The Artwork and Its Meaning

Bisa Butler uses quilted textiles to create vibrant, life-sized portraits of African Americans. This specific work is a portrait of Harriet Tubman, based on one of the historical photographs mentioned earlier.

• The Medium: Butler uses quilting, which is a deeply rooted African American artistic tradition (think back to the appliqued quilted bedcovers of the 1850s). By using fabric, she connects Tubman to the domestic labor and creative history of Black women.
• Vibrant Colors: Unlike the black-and-white photos of the 1800s, Butler uses bright, "electric" colors and complex patterns. This makes Tubman feel present, alive, and modern, rather than a distant figure from a history book.
• The Title: The title, "I Go to Prepare a Place for You," refers to Tubman’s role as a leader who cleared a path for others. It highlights her spirituality and her commitment to the collective freedom of her people.

Did you know? Quilting was often a communal activity for Black women. By choosing this medium, Butler is literally stitching together history, art, and the community’s shared memory of Tubman.

Key Takeaway: Bisa Butler’s work shows how contemporary art can reimagine historical figures. By turning a 19th-century photograph into a vibrant quilt, she ensures that the legacy of resistance remains powerful for new generations.

Connecting the Dots: Art as Resistance

In the AP African American Studies framework, we look at the theme of Creativity, Expression, and the Arts. This chapter shows that art is never "just a picture."

Summary of Themes

1. Humanization: Both photography and portraiture work to show the full humanity of Black people, especially in the face of systems like slavery that tried to dehumanize them.
2. Continuity: There is a clear line from the 19th-century activists who used the camera to the 21st-century artists who use the needle and thread. Both are telling the story of Black freedom.
3. Visual Testimony: These works act as a "testimony" (a public statement of truth). They testify to the fact that African Americans have always resisted and have always created beauty out of struggle.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't think of these images as just "decorations." In the context of the Civil War and Abolition, an image of Harriet Tubman was a political statement. It was a challenge to the idea that Black people were inferior.

Quick Review Box

• The Sources: Be ready to discuss the three Harriet Tubman photographs (1868–1908) and Bisa Butler’s "I Go to Prepare a Place for You" (2021).
• The Concept: Visual art and photography are legacies of resistance because they allow African Americans to define their own identities.
• The Connection: Butler’s work links 19th-century history with modern artistic expression through the traditional medium of quilting.
• Task Verb Practice: Can you describe how the medium of quilting relates to African American history? Can you explain why photography was important for abolitionists like Tubman?

Note: For more on how Black women used writing to resist during this same time period, check out chapter 2.22 Gender and Resistance in Slave Narratives.