Visual Culture Database Form ARTE 344/544 Spring 2023

Provider: Julisa Scotland

VCDB #:
#1
Big Idea/Subject:
Conflict
Major Theme:
Activism
Medium/ Presentation:
92 ½ x 72 ½ Acrylic on canvas
with fabric border
Visual Components:
Emphasis/Dominance
Balance
Repetition
Color
Harmony
Variety
Movement
Line
Contrast
Category:
Fine Arts
Pop art
Pop culture
Non-art
Authorship: Faith Ringgold

Title of work: Who’s Bad?, 1988

Location of work:
Description/Interpretation:
The Museum of Art in Delanda, Florida
In the early 1970’s Ringgold began making tankas (inspired by a
Tibetan art form of paintings framed in richly brocaded fabrics), soft
sculptures and masks. She later utilized this medium in her masked
performances of the 1970s and 80s. The Tanka-inspired 72 ½ by 92
½ artwork is of a scene from Michael Jackson’s music video Who’s
Bad? which premiered on August 31st, 1987. In an interview about
the artwork, Ringgold likens the influence of Michael Jackson to
other notable figures who fought against social injustice, such as
Rosa Parks. The artwork, although seemingly just a tribute to a very
popular music video, is Ringgold's response to Jackson’s role in
activism. In the lyrics of bad, Jackson sings, “We Can Change The
World Tomorrow, This Could Be A Better Place”. Often Michael
Jackson’s music references his own philosophy and inadvertently to
others who have preached similar views on social injustice and using
the strength of unity in the face of adversity, and oppression. His
music influenced the work and the use of various names of activists,
artists, poets, authors, and other influential people in the border and
foreground of the work such as Zora Neal Hurston.

Use in Teaching(Lesson Idea) The use of teaching about the work of Faith Ringgold is to establish a
and 3-5 Guiding Questions: connection between fine art and history. The lesson seeks to
 establish how art can be a tool for social justice by learning about
different ways that art has aided in the fight against social injustice
and the proliferation of increased awareness for social issues. The
featured artwork in the lesson is also intended to open up a
discussion about how students can create original works that discuss
a social issue and various ways in which they can communicate their
own ideas artistically as well. Students will be given canvas or paper
and will create their own mixed media piece on their choice of a
social issue or personal conflict. The overall goal is to have students
exercise using art as a means to respond to introspection and to the
world around them.

Can music be a form of communication?

How might communication aid in activism?
How can art tell a story?
How can art relate to activism?
Can pop culture communicate ideas about social injustices? How?

Image Source (url): https://www.faithringgold.com/portfolio/whos-bad/