Go Down Moses (Mural Study) c. 1945

Charles Alston made this drawing, "Go Down Moses," probably as a study for a mural, using what looks like graphite on paper. It's all about light and dark, isn't it? Look at how Alston uses the pencil to create this dynamic range of values, from the softest grays to nearly black shadows. You can almost feel the artist's hand moving across the paper, building up tone and texture with each stroke. The hatching marks shape the figures and forms in the picture, but they also create an emotional intensity to the work. The figure of Moses hovers above, rendered with a combination of sharp lines and soft shading. His body seems to emerge from the light behind him. Alston emphasizes the contrast between the dark, earthly realm of the enslaved figure and the luminous, divine presence of Moses. Thinking about artists, Alston reminds me of Jacob Lawrence. Like Lawrence, Alston was deeply engaged with social and political issues, using art to tell stories and challenge injustice. Both artists demonstrate how art can be a powerful tool for dialogue and change, inviting us to consider new perspectives and possibilities.