White House Displays Evocative Rockwell Painting
Norman Rockwell, one of the founders of Famous Artists School, used his platform as an illustrator to convey messages of justice and equality. One of his most powerful pieces, “The Problem We All Live With,” makes a bold statement about civil rights. It depicts the first African-American student to be integrated into a white school, young Ruby Bridges. In her pristine white dress with her head held high, Bridges is seen walking to school with three escorts. On the wall behind her the most inflammatory of racial epithets and a splattered tomato. According to this article, the real Bridges, who is now 56, began asking President Obama last year to include the painting in the White House’s temporary collection. Reportedly, when Bridges visited the White House to see the painting Obama said to her, “I think it’s fair to say that if it hadn’t been for you guys, I might not be here, and we might not be looking at this together.” That Rockwell’s painting is now hanging in the highest office in the land, being contemplated by our first African-American President, is indeed a testament to the power of art and the healing power of time.
Next entry: Microsavings Helps Dressmaker in Kenya
Previous entry: Lessons from a master: De Kooning at MoMA
