Walking 1958

Editor: We're looking at Charles Alston's 1958 oil painting, "Walking." I’m immediately struck by its blend of abstraction and figuration, and the colors evoke a complex sense of energy and tension, but there's also a remarkable groundedness with the many feet on the ground. What story do you think Alston is telling here? Curator: Well, stories, like life itself, often walk in multitudes! I see Alston, deeply involved in the Harlem Renaissance, reflecting on community, perhaps movement during the Civil Rights era. He’s offering, I think, not a snapshot, but an essence—the communal spirit in the face of adversity. And look at those elongated figures – there’s something both powerful and vulnerable in their stance, a kind of resilient grace. Editor: That's interesting – resilient grace, as the painting really juxtaposes a bold use of colour with a somber scene. Do you think that tension is deliberate? Curator: Absolutely! Art often thrives on that beautiful friction. Alston, remember, was also exploring abstract expressionism, which emphasizes raw emotion and the artist's inner state. I believe he is subtly suggesting that collective action carries a rich array of human emotions: it’s a dance between hope, determination, perhaps even sorrow, all expressed through these abstract shapes. Editor: The colours give it so much depth and vibrancy. It really does portray a complex blend of human emotion. Thanks so much! Curator: It has been my sincere pleasure. These artworks live within us. Engaging them lets us also be a little more alive ourselves!