Diane Victor, Birth of a Nation: Romulus and Remus (2009). Aquatint on Unknown Surface (10.6” x 14”)
Diane Victor’s print focuses on three main characters: a
hyena and two infants. All three figures
are located on some kind of platform.
The two infants are seated below the hyena. The hyena is female, judging by the anatomy
of its underside, whose attention is directed towards something unseen and
beyond the boundaries of the print. This
is evident in the characteristics of her head, eyes, and ears pointing towards
the same, general direction, as well as potentially raised hackles (hair along
the neck). Where is she staring? Is she scared or protective? The two infants are male, validated by their
uncovered genitals, and appear to be of African descent. Each one is pushing the other and the
expressions of each are that of fierce determination.
The colors of the print are monochromatic. It was completed in aquatint, which is an
engraving process that allows for a smooth gradient from light to dark
values. This is particularly useful in
the case of Victor’s print in order to guide the reader’s eye through the
piece. The darkest area of the print is
the head of the hyena. The eye travels
along the body of the hyena, where darkness exists (for an unknown reason that
I cannot deduce), and ultimately leads the viewer to intently look at the two
infants. The infants’ skirmish is the
main subject of the print.
The historical context of the print comes from the mythology
and symbolism of the inception of Rome.
The story of Romulus and Remus, from which the aquatint is based,
addresses two orphaned boys who were raised and nurtured by a wolf. In the same way, Victor’s painting shows two
African boys who are attempting to be nurtured by a hyena. I believe that Victor is commenting on
conflicts between African countries.
This seems plausible since Victor is from South Africa herself. I believe that she portrays Africa, the
mother continent, as the hyena in her piece who is offering her nutrients to those
she is taking care of. The infants (or
distinct nationalities) refuse to take advantage of her resources, however,
because they are too busy fighting each other.
The painting also might be a commentary on the struggles of
the African race. I think that there is
a contrast between the past and the future.
I believe that the platform upon which the three characters are on is a
slave auction platform. The children on
the platform are there to be saved, as is Africa, considering parts of Africa
(including South Africa) used to be owned by other nations, like Great
Britain. The hyena’s eyes form an
implied line across the page and draw our own eyes to move from left to right
along the print, as if on a timeline.
The attentive expression of the hyena seems to comment on the idea of
looking ahead to the future, yet her expression also seems to show anxiety, a
need for the protection of the children, and possibly fear. I believe that this is also established by
the title of Victor’s print series, “Birth of a Nation”. This was also the title of a famous movie
which came out in the early part of the 20th century. The film was made to bring awareness to
racial conflicts in the United States.
Finally, the expression of racial conflict is expressed through the
style the artist preferred to use. One
website noted that aquatint was often used “where contrasts of dark and light
were dramatic elements” (Printed Image 1).
The overall sense that I feel from the piece is that of
frustration. Victor used mythology as
the premise for the story behind her work, but I think it also serves as a
standard. To me, Victor is asking the
question, “What went wrong?” She sees
that African people have struggled and continue to struggle, not just with
other races, but among themselves as well.
I believe she is searching for reassurance that her continent will, one
day, have peace.
Work Cited:
"Printed Image" Accessed May 1, 2013. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/aqtn/hd_aqtn.htm
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