Madame Noire 2011

Amy Sherald’s "Madame Noire" is a painting that really gets you thinking about how we see each other. I love how Sherald plays with color; the grey skin tones against that vibrant red background make the figure pop, but also feel a bit distant, like a memory. The paint is applied so smoothly, it's almost like a photograph, but not quite. There's a softness, especially in the way the light hits her shirt, and you can sense the artist's hand in it, like a dance between control and letting go. I'm really drawn to the way the figure holds the cane. It's not just an accessory; it’s part of her stance, her power. Sherald reminds me a little of Barkley Hendricks, with her attention to detail and her ability to capture a sense of cool detachment. Both artists are so good at turning portraiture into something that questions our assumptions about identity. Art isn't about easy answers; it's about opening up a space for all kinds of different interpretations.