Harlem Rose

Harlem Rose is  a sculpture by Wilie Cole created between 2005 and 2006. 

Although this piece of art was created in 2005, it is representative of the Montgomery Boycott in 1955.  The Montgomery Bus Boycott was a public demonstration by the African Americans in Alabama to desegregate the public buses. Prior to this boycott African Americans were forced to sit in the back of buses and give up their seats for white people. Even though these bus riders paid the same fare, they were still reduced to second class treatment. Harlem Rose is a sculpture composed of scuffed, and worn out women shoes formed into the shape of a sunburst. These are some of the shoes of women who participated in the Boycott. These shoes hold the struggles, and memories those women faced taking a stance for something we take for granted. 

As an African American female I feel a special connection to this piece because I know all the abuse, and struggles they faced were to make it a little bit easier for individuals like me to prosper. Without their contributions I would have never been able to attend an institution like Penn State or any of the other opportunities I am afforded. This connects to my values because I believe that things I am doing will help future generations and the progress will never stop. 

Willie Cole is a well known artist from Newark, New Jersey who does a lot of pieces constructed from women shoes. He was born in 1955 so the Boycott was something he knew about. He also works heavily with african art. He has created tribal warriors out of women shoes, so he is very knowledgable on Africa and African American art and culture. 

In my opinion this is a representational piece of art. I think it is trying to honor the hard work of these women and pay homage to the impact they have had on our lives. I think he chose to form these shoes into a sunburst because the sun is a symbol of a brighter day. Without each contribution the sunburst could not be completed. Without each individual contribution we might still be sitting at the back of the bus. 

This was my second trip to the Palmer Art Museum. I previously attended for another class to interpret pieces of art. I have always enjoyed art muesums because their is so much you can learn by just stopping and thinking why the artist made a piece. The art is also very beautiful. Although I enjoyed the art I am not very creative or artistic so I only enjoy going to art museums once in awhile. If I had to go to the museum again I would probably bring some friends along because it's not as fun alone.