Minstrel #1 is another take on racism in the U.S. as it pertains to music and theatrical performance in the mid to late 19th century. It's a kind of twisted blessing that we knew we could rely on singing and dancing to put supper on the table. Though America has usurped African American music and culture for the purpose of entertaining the masses for decades, opportunities simply didn't exist and minstrel shows ultimately became the way to "break into" show business. And many talented Black singers and dancers did just that. My thrust in this vintage-styled painting was to evoke something positive, apart from the derogatory stereotyping and caricatures that were integral to the minstrel tradition. I wanted to faithfully acknowledge the musician behind the mask.

Original and prints available.