The Artistry of Jonathan Harris

My first impression of this painting was "What is going on with the artistry of Jonathan Harris?  First, let me say, I had never heard of Jonathan Harris!  That made me more curious as to why he would create such a work of art.  Historically, many artists address currents events and social issues in their art.  Harris is one of them.  Incidentally, the painting is called "Critical Race Theory."    Now. . . the image begins to make sense.

Who is Jonathan Harris?

Before delving into a discussion of Harris's "Critical Race Theory" work of art, it may be of interest to find out what makes this guy tick!   Jonathan was born and raised in Detroit...went to Detroit schools and "lived" Detroit history.   As a child, he learned the artistic flavor of Detroit, both culturally and visually.    The Detroit Institute of Arts has one of the largest art collections in the United States.  While celebrating artists worldwide, it does not forget its largely minority population and responds esthetically.

Jonathan Harris attended the Detroit School of Performing Arts, Henry Ford Community College and Oakland University.  He majored in graphic design.  As an artist, he brings awareness to America's cultural differences and social inequities.   One of today's hottest social issues is "critical race theory."  Let's look at why Harris responded to it with his art.

Critical Race Theory
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The "critical race theory" is a hot topic in 2023 America.  It means different things to different people.   Research reveals two (2) broad meanings.  People of color:  A belief that the American government (local, state and national) has historically and consistently used political, social, economic, educational and financial means to deprive people of color from achieving equal development and growth as white people.  Conservative Whites:  A belief that the concept above lacks merit, pits one group against another, perpetuates low self-esteem among whites and is the foundation of reverse discrimination against whites.   
This article only seeks to understand Artist Jonathan Harris's painting "Critical Race Theory."

The Painting

Critical Race Theory Painting:  As I stared at the white man about to cover the faces of three (3) African Americans who forcefully and positively impacted the civil rights of Blacks in America, several thoughts emerged: Does this painting represent white America "white washing" a truth both Blacks and Whites know is untrue?   Is America still holding people of color hostage and trying to hide it?  Are large segments of white America trying to "turn back the clock" and dominate all aspects of life with white supremacy?  Why do most whites continue to believe they are superior to other groups in America, built the country "all by themselves," and should have power and control over everyone else?  Does this painting represent lies, deception and ingrain racism America has and still practices?  Is this the America Harris has lived and is revealing it by displaying the artistry of Jonathan Harris?    
Based on those questions, look within yourself and honestly judge what you find.

The Artistry of Jonathan Harris

In writing this article, the writer studied several paintings by Harris.  Clearly, his mission is to place in front of the eyes of the world what he views as America's inequities, racial injustice, mental and physical enslavement of Blacks.  His work is anti-racist and he offers no apologies.  "Critical Race Theory" opened his art up to the world and his paintings make him a national and international contributor to the art world.  "Hats-off" to the "Artistry of Jonathan Harris!"
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Footnote:  As an abstract art collector, I would love to hang one of his paintings in my living room but . . . I am sure I cannot afford one.