Seven c. 1935 - 1943

Basil Hawkins created this lithograph, titled "Seven," sometime in the 20th century. Hawkins, an African American artist, was part of a generation navigating the complexities of representing Black life in a deeply segregated America. In "Seven," we see a group of men engrossed in a dice game. The setting is intimate, almost secretive, with the figures huddled together, their expressions a mix of concentration and excitement. The game itself becomes a stage for exploring themes of chance, risk, and community. Consider how Hawkins uses light and shadow to create a sense of drama, drawing us into the emotional intensity of the moment. The image also offers a glimpse into leisure and social interaction within the Black community, countering dominant narratives that often portrayed African Americans through the lens of hardship and struggle. Hawkins invites us to consider the multifaceted experiences of Black men, their camaraderie, and the spaces they create for themselves.