"Affirmative Action"

A woman, who looks as though she is standing seven feet tall, painted out in black and white is the main focus of “Affirmative Action” an acrylic on canvas painting by Jerry Kearns. Kearns, an artist known for showing opinion and situations through his works was sure to do so in this piece. Made in 1987, this painting shows a strong woman doing labor atop dirt with a shovel while wearing a dress and heels. Although the main focus is in black and white and is painted with sharp edges and lines, the background of the image is the opposite. Contrasting greatly in the bright colors of red and yellow the background is an image of a city. With softer lines and a more abstract look, the backdrop and main focus of the image seem to differ greatly, however, together they send across a very powerful message of the time this painting was completed.

The title “Affirmative Action” gives a strong meaning to the work. According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, “ ‘Affirmative action’ means positive steps taken to increase the representation of women and minorities in areas of employment, education, and business from which they have been historically excluded.” In the 1980’s women were on the rise in all aspects of the world. Women were traveling to space and were being nominated to run for large political positions including vice president. It was the start of empowerment to women. This painting represents a hardworking woman, still in her feminine attire, completing an act of labor, which until that time period was solely a job for a man.

            As a woman of the current decade, I have rights and opportunities that increase daily. Women are continuing to rise in society as we strive to be equal to men. This painting although representing earlier times, is also a representation of women today. It is an inspiring painting which shows the growth of character, drive, and initiative of women. It gives me a sense of empowerment, which is just what women were looking for in the 1980s. With the message the painting portrays, powerful emotions are being expelled from the image such as intensity, strength, determination, and perseverance.

            The Palmer museum was a much more intriguing experience than I had expected.  Although many works did not inspire me, the handful that caught my attention were very intriguing. I was beyond inspired by “Affirmative Action” which made the trip and assignment more entertaining than I had perceived it. I found walking through the museum quite relaxing and peaceful, but if I go back it will be with a purpose most likely other than a way to spend my spare time. When attending a museum I often look for more modern art, as one can see in my selection of a piece. The Palmer museum had a section of modern art that I truly enjoyed, but other than that the more dated art was not in my interest.

            One thing I cherish about art is that it is timeless. Every piece of art represents something, someone, or some time in an artist’s life. This piece shows the strength of women of the 1980s as they were beginning to thrive in society. Today, I can look at this piece of art and say the same thing and more. This painting represents a population of women who make up just under 50% of the world yet are still considered a minority. This painting is timeless and eye catching and representative of decades of powerful women in the past and those to come in the future.