Composition #8 for Trash 1971

"Composition #8 for Trash," created in 1971 by American artist Benny Andrews, is a minimalist ink drawing that explores themes of isolation and the human condition. The work depicts three elongated figures set against a simple, uncluttered background. On the left, a figure in a long coat and hat stands alone, while on the right, a figure is intertwined with a tree, suggesting both connection and entrapment. In the center, a figure with a large head and long arms appears to be reaching towards the other figures, yet is separated by a wide expanse of empty space. The minimalist aesthetic of the artwork, characterized by thin lines and a limited color palette, underscores the sense of loneliness and alienation that pervades the composition.