Beauford Delaney, Marian Anderson, 1965.
I did some Wikipedia-ing for this one! Marian Anderson was an American signer. She performed with orchestras in major concert and recital venues in the US and Europe between 1925 and 1965. Anderson was an important figure in the struggle for African-American artists to overcome racism during the mid-twentieth century. She broke barriers of segregation and became an icon of civil rights.
Delaney paints Anderson like a religious icon, glowing, staring out at the viewer. Anderson is held up as a recognisable figure and honoured. The use of the colour yellow is why I love this so much. It holds such hope, positivity and light.
This is a very unfestive newsletter and for that, I can only apologise. If you were looking for some christmassy TikTok to get you going ahead of the weekend, you’re going to have to do your own research. I am back in Dublin, but sick and feeling incredibly sorry for myself. Honestly, you’re lucky you’re even getting this one, OK?
Congrats you’ve made it to the end! Todah Rabah.
Eleanor x