Dindga Mccannon Revolutionary Sister Summary

Dindga McCannon’s “Revolutionary Sister” utilization of mixed media construction on wood refutes black woman stereotypes during the 60’s and 70’s. To express the significance of her intentions, the subject of this work is the woman, who stands with her hands on her hips and leaning into one leg. Furthermore, the Revolutionary Sister is also an example of asymmetric balance, as she leans towards one side of the work. Thus, the natural position the woman poses in implies a sense of humanity and moral intentions beyond the feeling of defiance within the work. Accordingly, McCannon employs expressionism in her work with the bold colors in conjunction with the impending resolute emotions. Not realistically representing the physical world, McCannon

is able to bear intentions, moods, and feelings into her work. Consequently, the striking colors impact the form of the work, portraying an audacious style. By applying contrasting colors of red and green, McCannon conveys visual interest, excitement, and drama in her work. Moreover, the figure’s headdress, made from mini flag poles, bears great resemblance to the iconic Statue of Liberty that represents freedom, who also wears a headdress.

Symbolizing liberty and freedom, the woman’s head - protruding off the canvas - represents resistance to gender norms as well as the racial discrimination, an “out of the box” challenge. Besides, imitating a great figure such as the Statue of Liberty proves to signify a new movement while referring back to the foundations of the work. Additionally, McCannon includes outlines all around her figure that separating the figure from the ground, which gives the work a more prominent valiant impression. Yet, despite the dauntless image, the figure of the woman encompasses curvilinear shapes that emphasize the femininity of the work; reminding the audience who exactly is defying and resisting gender and racial stereotypes are becoming the symbol of independence. The revolutionary sister also indicates a directional line from the bottom of her left leg to the top of her headdress. Therefore, this slightly diagonal directional line signifies the erect posture of the revolutionary sister as well as to imply a feeling of movement; representing the revolutionary movement behind the

work. Along with the head dress, the bullet belt within her work contrasts with the rest of the composition as it protrudes out the canvas. Hence, the Revolutionary Sister appears powerful and assured, symbolizing a leader who is steadfast. However, her lack of a gun - that is normally associated with bullets - suggests that her power comes from elsewhere; her inner strength. In addition, the “hill” at the bottom offers an illusion that the woman above the surroundings of the work itself. Likewise, the diagonal line of the hill - which also serves for movement and represents confidence - highlights the overall diagonal line of the woman’s posture. All in all, McCannon’s Revolutionary Sister handles mixed media construction on wood in a way that expresses her intentions and alludes to past historical works. Fitting into the “We Wanted a Revolution” Exhibit, McCannon accents her figure with a spunky, eye-catching style, voicing impact messages to the audience.