Art Curatorial’s October 11th Field Trip to SFMoMA

Reflection on 1A by Timothy Washington

by Calista Thompson

One of my favorite pieces I saw at SFMoMA was this mixed-material piece, 1A by Timothy Washington, created in 1972. This artwork was part of the 1960s exhibit and uses Washington’s actual draft card to make a statement on the brutality of the Vietnam War. This painting struck me because of the unique materials Washington used; he created a tombstone shape out of leather and nails that pops out of the otherwise flat etching. I really love the contrast this creates with the figures behind the tombstone, seeming to reach out to the viewer. The entire 1960s exhibit was my favorite I visited in the museum, and I really enjoyed seeing different political and cultural perspectives on the decade.

Reflection on Grandparents by Suzanne Jackson

by Emily Lu

One artwork that stood out to me out of all the works in the museum was Suzanne Jackson’s painting Grandparents. Jackson honors her ancestors through this work with muted colors and meaningful symbols. The composition with the heart, mustard plant, and figures is both dynamic and intimate; my eye moves around the painting while still focusing on the powerful yet warm and caring energy with which Jackson painted her grandparents. The work also highlights her intentional and delicate style of painting, which can also be seen in many of her other works. Because of the close bond I have with my own grandparents, the love that Jackson shows for her grandparents through this piece resonates with me deeply.