The Kitchen Table Series 1990 Analysis Essay: Woman A 661865

The Kitchen Table Series,1990 Analysis Essay: Woman and Friends

According to Carrie Mae Weems, a black female photographer in an interview with David Alan Grier, she chooses to focus on issues surrounding relationships, gender, race, and power in her photographic works. Based on her past experiences as a person, she felt the need to use black subjects more. She also has an interest in other themes like relationships, love, and family. For this analysis, it will focus on her work "The Kitchen Table Series, 1990", emphasizing on the tenth picture from left to right: woman and friends. Weems is a protagonist, and she queries ideas surrounding various kinds of relationships.

The relationship between women and men, gender roles, and the need to be a participating member of the community is central to Weems's work (Weems). In the tenth photo, Weems is in the company of friends, and they appear to be consoling her. The photo series highlights the position of a woman in different kinds of relationships. However, in my view, this tenth photo shows the need to question the role friends play in cheering up the mood of a person.

Discussion

The series addresses issues of race, gender roles, and relationships. Fictional and staged characters are used in this series. According to Andrea Kirsh and Susan Fisher, it is a conscious response to the criticism aimed at feminist films. By not favoring the male gender, Weems makes herself to be the protagonist of the narrative, forcing the viewer to associate with her. This is depicted from the first photo where she gazes at the camera, coming eye to eye with the viewer. The series centers on a black woman as the lead character with no help from white characters.

It moves away from past films where black women played only secondary roles. It shows Weems's relationship with a man, perhaps her husband, and also her relations with children and friends. The scene takes place in a small domestic interior kitchen, highlighting the struggles of a woman in a relationship. The scene is centered on the kitchen table.

In the tenth photograph, two women beside Weems appear to be in laughter. There is a lamp on top of them, which is turned on. Compared with earlier pictures, the woman on the right of Weems seems extremely jovial, nodding her head vigorously. Weems smiles while holding a cigarette. Each participant has a glass of alcohol in front of them (Weems). The woman on her right reaches out to touch her hand, indicating comfort and support. These two friends seem to be consoling her, sharing laughter that boosts her spirits despite prior struggles. The woman appears happier compared to earlier in the triptych.

The scene is set in a dark room illuminated by a lamp, with darkness symbolizing the struggles the woman faces in her relationships. She is seen smoking and drinking, possibly to escape her worries. Her smile might be superficial, masking her inner distress. The lamp symbolizes hope amid darkness. The presence of friends signifies support, showing that despite her troubles, she has others she can rely on. Their concern is evident when they reach out, indicating the importance of friendship during difficult times.

Weems’s expression suggests she might be lost in thought, contrasting her friends' more cheerful demeanor. Friends are depicted as crucial in providing comfort and alleviating depression. The visual cues demonstrate the significance of friendship and community support for women facing emotional hardship.

Conclusion

At the start of the series, Weems looks into the camera, implying underlying issues. This prompts viewers to critically consider the position of black women in society. In visual culture, women, especially black women, have often been objectified and marginalized. Through this series, Carrie Mae Weems aims to shed light on the absence of black representation in media and the systemic inequalities faced by black women. She uses her image as a voice for those often unheard amidst societal challenges, maintaining control and confidence throughout.

The series emphasizes the need for women’s involvement in community decisions, highlights the importance of friendship, and explores the delicate nature of relationships. Weems’s work is a powerful call to recognize the struggles and resilience of black women and the vital role that support networks play in their lives.

References

• Kirsh, Andrea, and Susan Fisher Sterling. Carrie Mae Weems. Washington, D.C.: National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1993.
• Weems, Carrie. "Carrie Mae Weems: The Kitchen Table Series, 1990." Carriemaeweems.net, 2020. Accessed April 12, 2020.
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