All Power to the People 1970

Faith Ringgold made this print, All Power to the People, sometime around 1970. The bright red background hits you first, and then the figures, flat and bold, take center stage. The process feels immediate, like Ringgold was figuring it out as she went along. There’s a directness to the materials, maybe screen printing or something similar. The colors are laid down in simple shapes, emphasizing the graphic quality. Look at the faces – just a few lines to suggest features, but they’re so expressive! The interplay of red, black, and green creates a powerful visual statement. It’s not about perfect representation; it's about feeling and impact. The texture is smooth, the colours are bold, and the message is clear. Ringgold’s work always struck me as fearless and full of heart. She shares a spirit with artists like Elizabeth Catlett, who also used simplified forms to convey complex social messages. Art is a conversation, and Ringgold’s voice is one we need to keep listening to.