Ebony Tarzan 1972

"Ebony Tarzan" (1972) by British pop artist Peter Blake is a bold and provocative work that challenges traditional representations of masculinity and race. The painting depicts a powerful, bare-chested Black man staring directly at the viewer, his gaze both challenging and alluring. The title references the popular character Tarzan, but Blake's use of "ebony" highlights the racial complexities of the figure and the power dynamics inherent in the Tarzan myth. The painting's composition, with its contrasting colors and bold typography, reflects Blake's use of collage and pop culture imagery, typical of his artistic style. The image's simplicity and directness invites contemplation and discussion about race, identity, and the representation of Black masculinity in art.