Justice
Elizabeth Catlett, Black Unity, 1968, cedar, 21 x 12 1/2 x 23 in. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas, 2014.11. © Estate of Elizabeth Catlett / Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY. Photography by Edward C. Robison III.
Additional Resources
Elizabeth Catlett
Black Unity
- What does this image mean to you personally? What is the larger, social context of the image of a raised, closed fist?
- Use the collection page link to explore other images of this artwork, including what it looks like from behind. Why do you think the artist added two connected faces on the back of this art? What could those faces symbolize?
A raised fist has been a powerful symbol of resistance and solidarity since the civil rights movement. Elizabeth Catlett unifies both these ideas in Black Unity: one side depicts the closed fist, while the other features two abstracted faces united in a single composition.• What power do symbols carry? How might they spark dialogue?
- How does the name of this work of art speak to this symbol of resistance and solidarity? How can art be a vehicle to express support or advocate for a cause?
- How do the Black Lives Matter and racial justice movements of today reflect the goals and methods of earlier civil rights movements? How are they different?
- How do you take action for racial justice?
Content Contributors
Exhibition sponsored by Kenneth C. Griffin
Learning and engagement programming for
We the People: The Radical Notion of Democracy is sponsored by:
Sarah and Ross Perot, Jr. Foundation | Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates, & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. | Johnny and Jeanie Morris, Bass Pro Shops | Alturas Foundation | Harriet and Warren Stephens, Stephens Inc. | Sotheby’s | Bob and Becky Alexander | Marybeth and Micky Mayfield | Lamar and Shari Steiger | Jeff and Sarah Teague / Citizens Bank | Arkansas Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities | Avis and Bill Bailey | Scarlett and Neff Basore | June Carter Family | Terri and Chuck Erwin | Jackye and Curtis Finch | The Harrison and Rhonda French Family | Jim and Susan von Gremp | Laurice Hachem | Shannon and Charles Holley | Valorie and Randy Lawson / Lawco Energy Group | Donna and Mack McLarty | Steve and Susan Nelson | Neal and Gina Pendergraft | Helen Porter | JT and Imelda Rose | Lee and Linda Scott | Stella Boyle Smith Trust, Catherine and Michael Mayton, Trustees | William Reese Company
