Scene 2: Homeschool and Housework 2020 - 2021

Curator: LaToya M. Hobbs's monumental woodcut print, "Scene 2: Homeschool and Housework," presents a snapshot of domestic life. The sheer size of it, almost 100 by 144 inches, is striking. Editor: Yes, the scale is important. I am immediately drawn to the intimacy of the scene contrasted by the stark black and white, creating a feeling of both closeness and distance. The visual weight emphasizes the domestic space. Curator: The composition reflects the sociopolitical pressures on Black mothers, juggling childcare, education, and household duties. The image of the mother figure is very symbolic. Editor: Absolutely. The presence of an ancestral portrait overlooking the scene suggests a link to generations of women who have navigated similar roles. There's strength and resilience conveyed through that simple image. Curator: And how this narrative ties into larger conversations about labor, visibility, and representation is crucial to understanding Hobbs' work. This print serves as a document of contemporary experience. Editor: It's a powerful depiction, one that uses recognizable symbols to speak to enduring realities of Black motherhood and the cultural narratives that surround it.