English - 101
April 7, 2011
Palmer Hayden was born Peyton Cole Hedgeman on January 15, 1890 in Widewater VA. He went to Cooper Union ,New York in 1920, Boothbay Colony, Maine in 1925, and Ecole des Beaux - Arts Paris in 1927. Haydens' paintings were controversial ; he is mostly remembered by Black American Culture.
The reason I am supporting this artist is because all of his paintings were unique and meaningful to me but this particular painting caught my eye of how a African American man is sitting in the chair with a disgusted and weary look about him. I see a man who looks like he has been working in the fields or some sort of back breaking labor job,putting in plenty of hours. My interpretation from the background, the walls looks old like in the early 1900s. His overall bibs are dingy, worn, and looks too small, as if he is not making enough money to support his family, pay all the bills and buy any new clothes that fit. This man just got home from a hard day at work; more than likely with little pay and all he has to unwind on is a stool knowing most people would choose something more comfortable which he probably could not afford. He seems to be thinking to himself about how long will this struggle continue or is there a light at the end of the tunnel and when will these hardship years pass. When can a black man get a break? This man is strong, hanging in there along the same lines still thankful to have a job knowing jobs were scarce in 1900s regardless of your color, yet being black was another strike against you.
Hayden is in this picture was very descriptive in the way he seen Black Americans go through discriminatory barriers in his lifetime dating back as a child. He expressed himself vividly and clear so that people would learn his perspective on life in his days in addition the beauty in African Heritage.
The works of Payton Hayden has been very rewarding to him and his career for instance the " Fetiche et Floeurs " which he won the Harmon Foundation Gold Award enabling him to continue his education in Paris. He also worked for the United States Treasury Arts Project.
In conclusion I am enlightened by this artist to make me look at history through his eyes and learning to appreciate his talents in communicating with him in his experiences with us.
Wow! You read a lot into this painting. When can a black man get a break? You seem as though you can totally relate to what he is feeling. Good job.
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