Kara Walker- No/Yes/?

Right from the first few lines of this article, it is glaringly apparent that Kara Walker is a "touchy" subject. The narrator, Howardena Pindell, details how her attempt at encouraging a dialogue about Kara Walker's work was harshly criticized and she was told to "back off". The writer had openly discussed the use of negative stereotypes by African American artists in South Africa, and she was criticized for refusing to jump on "the pro-negative-racial stereotype- Kara Walker bandwagon".

In 2007. the mainstream media enthusiastically praised Kara Walker's work, but it was clear that many individuals were upset that any negative press on her work was dismissed. Cynthia Navaretta, who worked for Midmarch Art Press, chose to tackle the heated issue and invited artists, writers, critics, art administrators collectors, and curators to submit a commentary to composite into a book. This added fuel to the fire as many people refused to participate (or were told by others not to). Ultimately, it became a collection of "non-pro" commentary essays, accompanied by quotations from the mainstream media and an appendix of historical information. In addition, a blog was built for the purpose of an open, anonymous discussion of Kara Walker's work.

The Director of the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, Cathy Halbreich, was quoted saying that Kara Walker was "heroic under the criticism" and thought the entire issue to be "generational". Howardena Pindell then presents a claim of the "ways" of white commentators in the art world: "I am white and I am in charge and what I say goes about your life experience". She then provides an account of when she was "almost thrown out" of the Parrish Museum in Southhampton in 2008 because she was not white. More so, Pindell mentions the existence of KKK and other hate groups in Long island, and the assumed "white privilege". (I, personally, am baffled at her showcase of stereotyping white people in this article--isn't this racism in a sense?)

Next, Pindell discusses Kara Walker's work and what is essentially causing the controversy and strong emotions. She quotes Kara Walker's claim that she does not make work about reality, only images and creating fictions. Pindell appears to be angered by her statement, explaining that the work is far to disturbing and violent to be treated as merely "images".

A brief history and synopsis of paper and shadowgraphy is provided for the reader, as this is concretely Kara Walker's medium. It is mentioned that humans have an "enduring fascination" with shadows as they are thought as virtual bodies or reflection of the soul.