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Collage of five diverse artworks from the Hammer Museum Collections side by side. From left to right: 1) Contemporary painting of two embracing figures with surreal elements. 2) Post-impressionist style painting of trees with vibrant blues and greens. 3) Black and white illustration of a face with intricate patterns. 4) Japanese woodblock print style image of a figure in a checkered robe. 5) Photograph of a couple dancing, the woman in a black dress and the man in white

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Digital Archive Now Dig This!: Art and Black Los Angeles 1960–1980
Art Charles White, Awaken from the Unknowing
Awaken from the Unknowing, by Charles White, 1961

Charles White, Artist
Awaken from the Unknowing , 1961

Medium
Charcoal and Wolff crayon on paperboard
Dimensions
31 x 56 in. (78.7 x 142.2 cm)
Credit Line
Private collection. Photo by Tim Nighswander/IMAGING4ART

Awaken from the Unknowing depicts a young African American woman intent on her quest for knowledge. Charles White chose to create representational images of African Americans to dispel and counteract the unflattering and often racist imagery that was prevalent at the time. This work reflects White's interest in the African American female subject as well as his own quest and affinity for knowledge.