Nubian Women: Nothing New Under The Sun- (N'CHUKYM HARRIS)

1). Series of the Four Parts of the World. Africa depicts a group of Roman soldiers looking onto the land which represents Africa. The woman stands on the rock with her hand extended as children are seen taming the lands. 2). Some visual elements that are present and relate directly to my theme are texture, shape, and color. The use of texture in this painting can be seen in the flowing of both the symbol of Africa [ the woman in the front] as well as the obvious garments wrapped around the other women. Shape and line are used in the posture of Africa. The extending of her arm shows a gentile nature about her while her overall stance shows a firm yet strong presence in where she stands [ as if to say I will not be moved].

1). Female Companions of Maasai Warriors is a photo that depict African women in their cultural/tribal wear. The woman who's face is most visible in the front appears to be smiling slightly while the woman on the opposite side of her appears to be in mid conversation as her lips as parted a bit. 2). Some elements that are visible in this photo and relate directly to my theme are both color and pattern. Color is the most important element in this photo because you can see the contrast of the deep brown skin and the red tribal paint and jewelry that sits on the skin. These are both important because the red represents strength and unity. Red can also be seen in the pattern of the beads. Along with the red color, black can also be seen which is also symbolic of the color of the people as well as the hardships that the people endured.

1). A visit from the Old Mistress is a painting that depicts three women, one who is holding a child looking on with dread and perhaps even a bit of fear as the mistress walks into the room. It is concievable that the three woman and child are house slaves and the european woman is the wife of a slave owner. While the two women standing have fearful expressions on their faces, the woman who is sitting in the chair is avoiding eye contact all together. 2). There are a few elements and principles that contribute relevance to my theme. To start line, color, movement, and value are used to convey emotion in the African women and even the face of the child, although only partially visible you can see the innocence from the tilt of the head and the innocent look in her eyes. The change of color in the woman's clothing and that of the mistress also adds status of who is who. You can see from the african woman's colorful and flowing clothing that they may be subject to involuntary servitude while the mistress who wears all black with white ruffling displays a stiff and stern nature in appearance.

1). The Hunted Slaves is a painting that depicts two slaves who have escaped and who are being attacked by a pack of dogs. The husband who is holding a miniature ax has struck down one of the dogs and has raised his ax to strike down another as it leaps toward him and his wife. The wife who is behind the African man is seen to be horrified with fear. Her clothes although tattered a bit appear to be in decent condition but her arms are bruised with lash marks, and you can see possible blood stains on her shirt under the arm. 2). Movement enables this image to convey the Nubian woman in her vulnerable and docile state. While she is clearly fearful of what is occurring line is used to elaborate on the fragility of her as a woman. This photo contributes both in inside look into the history of the Nubian woman and her struggles. It shows that even in a state of fear and trauma, she was able to maintain her unique strength and beauty unintentionally.

1). African Venus is a sculpture that depicts the head of a Nubian Woman. On this sculpture, the features of the African Venus are very elaborate. What they show are the beautiful locks that rest on top of the woman's head that are clearly separated and give the appearance that they are moving in the wind. The statue also shows the strength behind the woman's eyes as she appear to be looking at something hence the tilt of her head and the narrowing of her eyes. From the woman's ears there are gold hoops hanging which is customary for Nubian woman to prevent allergic reactions. The last of the sculpture shows the woman clothed with a possible tribal shirt or dress wrapped around the top half. The woman also has here arm behind her back with a bend at the elbow. 2). The elements that are present in this sculpture are movement and line. Movement is presented in the sway of the Nubian woman's posture as well as her hair. Line is presented by the expression in the facial features. This sculpture all together is relevant to my theme because it shows the beauty of the Nubian woman during the 1800's.

1). Lynch Family is a painting that depicts a Nubian woman resting her head upon her hand is clear distress. She holds a baby which she is clearly distracted from due to grievance. The woman clenches the baby's bottle in one hand as she also holds the child who is expanding its arm with a toy in hand. 2). Color is used in this painting to convey sadness, despair, emptiness, and strength. The contrast of black and blue in this painting bring out the depth of the woman's skin, while the blue aids in conveying a state of mourning and sadness. Black is also used sparingly throughout the painting to cast various shadows such as the one on the woman's knee where her arm rests. Line is used to show the strength the woman holds internally. Notice how even though the face is buried in her hand, her neck is elongated representing beauty in some cultures. Her posture is not slumped , it is upward as if to say I am suffering but I will go on. This painting shows clear strength of the Nubian woman; even after loss.

1). Free Angela Davis is a Lithograph on paper image that depicts civil rights activist Angela Davis speaking to a crowd on a microphone. The photo shows Angela being culturally free in the 70's by wearing here hair in a natural afro and her facial expression conveys importance and urgency in the message that she is delivering. 2). Texture in this photograph contributes the beauty of her hair. Movement is also conveyed by the shift in Angela's head and the way her hand is grasping the microphone. This photo shows a power position in which marks a turning point for Nubian woman. Angela Davis in this photo adds relevance to the tittle in my gallery because she contributes that nothing new occurs under the sun. Where Nubian woman were once the epitome of strength an beauty, they fell from such a notion and this photo shows that the strength and beauty has been restored.

1). Pvt. Marguerite M. Chase is a pastel on paper mounted board that depicts a Nubian woman in military wear. She sits very straight with a smile on her face.The white pastel that is used behind her reflects a shadow or space between her and the background. 2).The elements that are visible in this picture and contribute relevance to by theme are color and line. The straight posture of the woman submits to a militant appearance and in return it gives the woman the look of strength and poise. Color is present in this image by the use of brown and black which sets a good lighting tone on the left side of the woman's face and a shadow on the right side. This picture in its entirety contributes the strength and beauty aspect. It also shows a Nubian woman in history taking a high position and not being the subject of ""slavery" but rather an object of power.