We are Cultured

Title

We are Cultured

Artist

Tarika Campbell (Tarika Art)

Location

Capital Hill Boys Club Intergenerational Gallery, 16th and Marion Barry Ave, SE, Washington DC

Visual Description

A young Black woman, in a stylish red jacket, looks out at a blue expanse that seems to evoke the Anacostia River, with shapes that might be hazy sailboats on it. Superimposed on the blue field are the words, in capital letters, “We are Cultured” adjacent to pink flowers.  Behind her head are the US Capitol dome, a wavy vertical form that might be the Washington Monument, and a hazy shape that might be a cocktail drink. Above her is a darker field that might evoke nighttime, filled with musical notes and a couple dancing.  Two pyramids in outline may evoke ancient Egyptian heritage. 

Interpretive Note

Perhaps the woman, as she is looking at the Anacostia River, is dreaming of the nocturnal world of culture on her side of the river, including music, dance and ancient African heritage.

Prompts for close looking: 

1. How is this image of the Anacostia River like and unlike other art explored in this guide? 

2. How do you understand the words “We are Cultured”?  Is this work in effect arguing against those who would assert that “culture’ is limited to the west side of the river, where high culture institutions are concentrated? Is the point that we, on the eastern side, have plenty of culture, including Go Go Music and Afrocentric forms of expression and knowledge? 

3. What do you make of the orange shape just beyond the young woman’s profile? Is this another person, suggesting that multiple people (“We”) are joining with her in looking out at the river and honoring the culture of Black DC and the East of the River?