Paris Rooftops, Montmarte 1965

Editor: We’re looking at Beauford Delaney’s "Paris Rooftops, Montmarte" from 1965, created with oil paint. There's something serene yet isolating about this cityscape, the geometry of the buildings is captivating. What can you tell us about its context? Curator: The painting encapsulates Delaney's engagement with modernism and his life as an African American artist in exile. It begs the question of who is this piece created for. Think about the role of Paris, and Montmartre specifically, as a haven for American artists and writers in the mid-20th century. How might that impact our interpretation? Editor: So, Delaney’s position as an outsider influenced his perception of Paris. How would that perspective differ, say, from a French artist painting the same scene? Curator: The artist depicts not just buildings, but the architecture of displacement and marginalisation. The night sky might symbolize both the beauty and loneliness of expatriate life. The scene has very few windows; it's worth asking if these buildings stand as more than merely structures, if they are also symbolic. Editor: It’s fascinating how the seemingly simple geometric shapes and dark tones can speak to broader social and cultural experiences. I see the painting now as less serene and more loaded with hidden emotion and societal commentary. Curator: Indeed, it serves as a reminder that art doesn't exist in a vacuum. The artist's position within society profoundly shapes the narratives they weave through their work and how that piece is seen by those on the inside, and those on the margins. Editor: I’ll definitely look at cityscapes differently from now on, considering who is "outside" or "inside" of it. Thank you!