Over the weekend we headed to Philly for the On The Run tour. Although it was nice to have a change of scenery the real reason I wanted to go to the show here was to get a chance to see the Kara Walker exhibit in Brooklyn. I’m such an art nerd.
After checking out the dates it worked perfectly with our trip. Matter of fact it was the last day to go. Take about planning. š The line to get in was pretty intimidating stretching 10 blocks long.
People from all walks of life came to see this one of a kind piece. Some didn’t even know what they were about to see. A lady in front of me turned around with a confused face asking “excuse me…. can you tell me exactly what this is about?” I was honestly shocked she was in line and didn’t even know what was going on, but It just shows you the power of art and creation. You don’t have to know the back story to appreciate it. It can stand on its own.
Once we got to the front of the line we were given waivers to sign. The domino factory is still under construction and considered an active work site.
It was pretty obvious with the piles of bricks and neon cones blocking certain areas.
The line circled closer to the exhibit and there was a person standing by the entry way with a very special job.
She counted everyone that crossed over into the exhibit.
I politely said “Hello are you counting everyone ?” She responded pointing at me saying “yes ma’am your 5,278 and your 5,279” pointing at Larry.
Pretty amazing numbers for just a day of people coming in. Not to mention the 10 blocks of people that were now behind us waiting their turn.
FINALLY we got inside.
I turned to my right and there it was, “The Marvelous Sugar Baby.”
You could smell the sweetness of the sugar and feel the sticky floor as you walked around.
Several smaller sugar sculptures surround the main attraction. The boy like figures were carrying woven baskets. Some had fallen due to the hot temperatures but of course still considered art worthy and intriguing.
The main attraction.
The bright white sculpture standing more than 30 feet high and over 70 feet long. Immediately, I noticed the sphinx inspired form with black woman features. Only wearing a head scarf, eyes closed and mouth shut.
The size itself draws you in. Then you try to figure out how Walker created it. Well at least that’s what I was doing.
According to Creative Time, The Subtlety is a “Homage to the unpaid and overworked Artisans who have refined our Sweet tastes from the cane fields to the Kitchens of the New World on the Occasion of the demolition of the Domino Sugar Refining Plan.”
Reminders of slavery and the respect given to their work.
Many critics have shared the sculpture presents itself as an entertainment slavery piece to come see and take pictures with. Making it a mockery. 
There’s honestly many ways to look at art even with the artist giving you a synopsis. This is the beauty of it.
As far as this exhibit, I respect the work and can see the many layers it gives. It can be a teachable moment for someone that may not otherwise understand the history, reasoning or personal view.
The glass can be half empty or it can be half full.
You choose.
If you went to see the exhibit I’d love to hear your experience.
Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Peace.