Annunciation c. 1950s

Curator: This is Sister Gertrude Morgan's "Annunciation," held in the Harvard Art Museums. The piece is striking in its simplicity, almost dreamlike. Editor: It feels… raw. The figures, rendered in what looks like crayon, against that vivid blue and red, evoke a powerful sense of spiritual intensity, and a questioning of established religious paradigms. Curator: Morgan was deeply invested in her faith, viewing herself as the bride of Christ. Her art served as a crucial form of ministry and self-expression. Editor: The very act of a Black woman depicting such a foundational biblical scene reshapes the narrative, challenging conventional representations of power and divinity. It's inherently political. Curator: Precisely, considering the socio-political contexts of her time and Morgan’s positionality as a Black woman preacher claiming divine authority. Editor: Thinking about this piece, I'm left with a deep respect for Sister Gertrude Morgan's unwavering conviction. Curator: Indeed, her art is an enduring testament to the power of faith and art as a means of profound social commentary.