All Power to the People 1970

Faith Ringgold made this poster, All Power to the People, sometime in the 20th century. It’s a screenprint, so she would have carefully layered the colors one by one. I’m thinking she probably started with that bright red ground. I’m trying to imagine what it must have been like to choose this bold palette: the flatness of the black figures and the cool green of their clothing against the red. Ringgold has used color here to communicate a feeling of urgency, but also hope. The bright turquoise accents are so fresh and futuristic! Her use of flat shapes creates a simplified but powerful image. Each form is carefully outlined, giving the figures a strong presence and making the message unmissable. There is a kinship to be found here with other artists who work with simple but striking color combinations like Jacob Lawrence and Romare Bearden. Ringgold is in conversation with them. We all are!