Battle with Cicones 1977

Curator: Romare Bearden’s "Battle with Cicones," created in 1977, uses mixed-media collage and printmaking to bring a vibrant scene to life. The artist masterfully merges abstract and figurative elements. Editor: Woah! It's chaotic, isn't it? Like stepping into a dream where ancient battles mix with pop art boldness. My immediate reaction is a joyful kind of overwhelming. Curator: Yes, precisely. This piece alludes to the episode from Homer’s Odyssey where Odysseus and his men raid the land of the Cicones. Considering Bearden’s commitment to social justice, the violence here evokes a deep critique of imperialism. Editor: I see what you mean. Those clashing black silhouettes against that vibrant red, feels aggressive, yeah? The elephant and horses juxtaposed with that boat… It’s unsettling but makes you think, too. Like different moments and symbols crammed together. Curator: It challenges traditional Western art historical narratives by integrating the black figure so prominently within a classical context. The geometric shapes mixed with recognizable forms disrupt easy interpretation, making it modern. Editor: Totally! The way he flattens perspective with the collage layers is kinda brilliant. Is like he’s saying this story – the Odyssey or the broader issues of power and displacement– is always with us, flattened onto the canvas of our consciousness. Curator: Exactly! It suggests those battles against the Cicones are more than an ancient event. They resonate within today's socio-political dynamics. Bearden challenges us to see that past violence continues into the present. Editor: Looking at the work now I see a vibrant puzzle of storytelling. I was caught up in the battle, in the dream space, I’m grateful to understand that it echoes something more about violence and identity. Curator: Bearden provides tools for critically reassessing not only the "Odyssey", but a lot more than that! It invites us to reflect on cycles of conflict and the marginalized within historical canons. Editor: True. The canvas hums with more intensity than when I first saw it. It has encouraged me to keep my eye open and connect to past with present through art.