Untitled (James Baldwin)

Ligon's paintings present quotations that expose the dangers of speaking simplistically about African-American identity in art and in life. The text of Untitled features words spoken by James Baldwin (1924-1987) in an interview late in his life. Baldwin states the difficulties and restrictions faced by African American artists who feel obliged to create "an official version of the black experience" for the white cultural establishment. Ligon's long skinny canvas makes it difficult to read, and in this respect seems to be a metaphor for the limitations of communication.