A History of Spilled Blood

Creator

Alex Kouns, Columbia College Chicago

Preview

Creation Date

Fall 2021

Description

WHY THIS SUBJECT? Historical Racial Violence targeting African-Americans

WHAT SHOULD WE KNOW? From their arrival on this continent, African-American history has been splattered in blood, from top to bottom, from beginning to present. This poster is an acknowledgment of the racial violence that litters American history. The dates that fill the wall are significant years in the history of racial violence against black people in America; these dates, in some places, become illegible from blood, and the dates blend together. The hunched figure is upside down chiefly to create tension and unease. In a position that could depict grief, pain, or weakness. I was inspired by the consistent wall art we had seen in this class to use a concrete backdrop. Texture, like the wall, emphasizes the components of the image because of the practical color scheme. The dates are secondary; they provide additional texture and force the viewer to acknowledge time, history, and momentum. I wanted this image to stand out at a distance, as a thumbnail, and to people who only see it for a brief moment. I have a high contrast visual, with minimal text, the concept of history is pushed and grasped by the audience just by seeing sequences of 4 consecutive numbers. The image tells the viewer the years pertain to violence and racial hate. I wanted an image with staying power in the viewer; the image should evoke dread, anxiety, and repulsion. Providing a visual to the violence seemed like the answer. Dried blood allowed me to maximize texture and minimize the amount of actual depicted violence. I am happy with my final product. I hope that is some way it makes an impact..

WHAT WAS YOUR TECHNIQUE/PROCESS? Digital Illustration.

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