Tomorrow I May Be Far Away 1967

Curator: Romare Bearden created "Tomorrow I May Be Far Away" in 1967. It’s a striking mixed-media collage, quite representative of his signature style. What are your initial thoughts on the work? Editor: It feels incredibly fragmented, but cohesive. The mood is contemplative, almost melancholy. I’m immediately drawn to the figure seated in the center, there is such quiet strength. The background evokes themes of community and separation. Curator: Absolutely. Bearden's process involved layering cut and torn pieces of paper, often sourced from magazines and fabrics, which he then arranged and adhered to create a unified composition. It's fascinating to see how he transformed ordinary materials into something so expressive. Note, for instance, how much visible texture there is from such disparate origins. Editor: Considering that this was made in the late 1960s, a very turbulent time in American history, especially for African Americans, it’s hard not to see it as a commentary on displacement, resilience, and perhaps even hope amid struggle. It's interesting how the figure seems both grounded and ready to move on. Curator: The use of collage is central to understanding Bearden’s approach. He blurred the lines between painting and collage, using each piece of paper to represent a distinct element of reality, meticulously placed to convey depth and emotion. Consider how it might be a comment on the fragmentation of experience or the way memory is constructed from disparate pieces. Editor: Yes, I think that resonates. The collage technique also parallels the fractured realities of Black life in America, with the figures often existing in spaces that are pieced together but not always harmonious. Also the work invites conversation around intersectionality: gender, race, class, and history. What voices do we hear? Whose narratives are we piecing together? Curator: That’s insightful. Seeing the labor involved in meticulously layering these materials adds another layer of meaning, too. This piece underscores that he was very deliberate with his process. Editor: Thinking about his commitment to capturing everyday Black life with dignity, the medium is integral to his message and gives greater meaning to the labor in a historical context. Bearden creates a narrative from what would have otherwise been disposable and unconsidered. It’s incredibly powerful. Curator: His attention to the materials adds richness. I'm interested in continuing to research Bearden and his process for this artwork. Editor: Me too! “Tomorrow I May Be Far Away” offers such rich grounds for reflection on individual agency and collective memory. I find myself wanting to dwell in this piece for a long time.