Red Neck
Artist
Peter Williams
(American, 1952 - 2021)
Date1994
MediumOil, graphite, charcoal on paper
DimensionsPaper Size: 30 × 22 1/2 in. (76.2 × 57.2 cm)
Frame Size: 37 7/8 × 30 1/4 in. (96.2 × 76.8 cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineGift of Gary Eleinko, 2022
Object numberUAC7274
DescriptionRed Neck by Peter WilliamsA blank stare confronts you in a yellow dreamscape. A grey man stares at the viewer with a certain intensity and geometric imagery that covers his face. The man’s mind is opened up, pouring out his inner thoughts and feelings. By the title, “Red Neck”, we can interpret that this is probably the artist’s viewpoint of a “Red Neck”. Through the artist's vision, we can view this man’s inner thoughts which include: beer, girls, as well as racial and sexual slurs. The painting feels futuristic, with a metallic-like man with some sort of glass dome around his head. The artist was blatant about the theme of this man’s life: television, conspiracy theories, sports, and prejudices.
Peter Williams had no problem addressing the harsh viewpoints that many people hold within this country. Peter Williams is recognized as a multifaceted painter, educator, and advocated for social change. Williams imbued his work with an exploration of the black experience and perspective. Williams obtained his MFA from Maryland Institute College of Art and his BFA from Minneapolis College of Art and Design. He also served on Wayne State University faculty for many years.
https://www.waynestategalleries.org/in-the-air-voices-from-detroit-and-beyond/peter-williams
Written by Colleen Sikorski
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