Robert Colescott, School Days, 1988. Acrylic paint on canvas; 90 1/2 x 114 1/4 in. Denver Art Museum: Funds from NBT Foundation, 1991.56. © Estate of Robert Colescott

frame height: 91 1/2 in, 232.41 cm; frame width: 115 3/8 in, 293.0525 cm; frame depth: 2 1/4 in, 5.7150 cm; height: 90 1/2 in, 229.8700 cm; width: 114 1/4 in, 290.1950 cm

Modern and Contemporary Art

Modern and Contemporary Art

Robert Colescott; School Days; 1991.56 School Days is a rich, dense narrative painting that deals with interracial inequality and tension by juxtaposing white and black stereotypes. Neither group is depicted in a flattering light. “Unfortunately, stereotypical images are part of the American heritage,” Colescott writes. “I had to come to terms with it for myself, ultimately controlling the images by making them say some things for me. First I made these paintings and drawings as messages from myself to myself, getting in touch with my own fears, frustration, anger…I have no doctrine. I want to talk about the foolishness of it all. I want to encourage people to relate [to] rather than to punish one another.” (Text from The First Hundred Years)

• "Focus: The Figure"--Denver Art Museum, 8/9/2008 - 2/2011