Homage to Martin Luther King, Jr. 1968

Curator: Looking at Maud Morgan’s "Homage to Martin Luther King, Jr." at the Harvard Art Museums, I feel this profound sense of quiet strength, almost a reverent hush. Editor: It strikes me as stark, almost severe in its minimalist composition. The muted palette emphasizes the severity—and the black triangle cutting through the canvas is… unsettling. Curator: Unsettling perhaps, but I see that starkness as a reflection of the struggle—a sharp, pointed pain, but also, the unwavering, forceful presence of Dr. King's message. The red, like embers, suggests both passion and sacrifice. Editor: Semiotically, the vertical black form certainly commands attention, acting as a visual signifier of both power and vulnerability. It's a masterclass in reduction. Curator: I love how Morgan distills such complex emotions into such simple forms. It is like looking at a soul made visible. Editor: Indeed, it’s a powerful exercise in artistic restraint. Curator: A somber, but powerful image. Editor: Precisely.