El Tango
- Robert Colescott, American, 1925-2009
- Born: Oakland, CA
- Work Locations: United States
Robert Colescott's art is highly contested. Some accuse him of perpetuating negative stereotypes while others see his confrontational appropriation of Zip Coon imagery as a sarcastic social commentary that urges audiences to examine their own racial biases. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that Colescott is exploring visual forms of racism that most Americans would rather forget, or worse, repress.
A vibrant, colorful canvas, "El Tango" depicts a scene bustling with multiple figures and dynamic action. The tango is a ubiquitous analogy for love and life, and here it serves as context for the dialogue regarding race and culture that the artist seeks to provoke.
- "Focus: The Figure"—Denver Art Museum, 08/09/2008 - 02/2011
- “Disruption: Works from the Vicki and Kent Logan Collection” — Denver Art Museum, 1/13/2022
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