Let's Party 1980

Curator: Varnette Honeywood’s “Let’s Party”, created in 1980, really bursts off the wall with energy. What’s your first impression? Editor: I immediately think of confetti and celebration, the geometric shapes almost dance before my eyes. There’s a sense of unbridled joy here, it’s a powerful composition with vibrant colours and silhouettes against a dotted background. Curator: It is quite joyful, and in viewing Honeywood’s work, especially pieces like this, it’s hard not to consider the social context from which they emerged. Honeywood intentionally fostered community through her work and often highlighted positive representations of Black life. Editor: The silhouettes, for instance, they offer a striking profile, bold and recognizable, reminiscent of ancient friezes or even shadow puppets performing a ritual, focusing on shared community experience, not individual identity. I wonder if that choice steers our attention to the collective rather than individual narratives within this party scene. Curator: Exactly! You can consider it in direct opposition to some of the blaxploitation films that preceded this time; Honeywood creates artwork that celebrates the ordinary moments, counteracting the negativity and marginalization in mainstream media. "Let's Party" showcases her commitment to positivity. The silhouettes provide universal recognisability. Editor: It is also very clever in conveying universal recognisability by leaving the identities implicit; it’s such a contrast to today's celebrity obsessed culture! I see how the choice speaks volumes in the broader narrative. There are art historical ties too – something like the streamer echoes earlier works symbolizing merriment in renaissance paintings, but reinterpreted through a modern, afro-centric lens. Curator: You raise a fantastic point! Honeywood often incorporated recognizable, everyday scenes, thus her conscious effort was creating pieces rooted in community while actively engaging the historical portrayals and how they can empower future representation. The effect "Let’s Party" offers remains incredibly profound. Editor: Absolutely, Honeywood invites viewers not just into a party scene but into a dialogue about identity, community, and representation. That sense of cultural memory reverberates from this artwork. Curator: And with that dialogue, this seemingly simple, festive piece acts as an enduring example of the artist's ethos and impact. Editor: A vibrant celebration with some interesting layers!