sugar shack 1
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School
Capella University *
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Course
1150
Subject
Arts Humanities
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
5
Uploaded by ChancellorPartridgePerson966
Sugar Shack
Kathryn Catipon
Capella University
HUM-FPX1150 – Cultural Understanding in a Global World
Jill Aston
11/6/23
Artifact Chosen
The artifact I chose is, “The Sugar Shack”. It was painted by Ernie Barns in the early
1970’s. I chose to write about this painting, because it seemed the most visually appealing and
vibrant to me. I saw the title first, before the painting, and this caught my attention. It made me
think of sugar, the actual product, which made me curious to learn more. I have never seen or
learned about this painting before. When I first looked at “The Sugar Shack”, I noticed that the
figures were all African American. Everyone appears to be having a great time, dancing to music,
with their eyes closed or playing a musical instrument in the background. The male figures are
portrayed with no hair, and everyone has long legs and arms. And there are signs hanging from
the rafters welcoming everyone to “The Sugar Shack.”
Historical and Artistic Contexts
Ernie Barns was born July 15, 1938, and grew up in Durham, N.C. He was known to be
shy, sensitive and bullied as a child. Along the way he used art as a means of coping. During his
high school years, he developed a love for exercise. He excelled in football and became the team
captain. By the time he was graduating he was offered 26 athletic scholarships. Due to racial
segregation, he chose the once-,known North Caroline College for Negros. Barns played
professional football for five different teams from 1959 to 1965. He then retired at the age of 28
and continued his passion for art.
(
n.d.). The North Carolina Roots of Artist Ernie Barnes)
It was said that art was Ernie Barns true calling. Barns skillfully translated his
understanding of bodily movement into the design of his figures, bringing a sense of realism and
authenticity to his artwork. Barnes cleverly utilized the architectural elements of the room, such
as the walls, balcony and lamp, to give structure and composition to his painting. The vibrant
colors used by Barnes create a visual rhythm. Barnes paintings capture a sense of spontaneity.
His painted dancing figures seem to move freely, creating a lively atmosphere while dancing.
Barnes painting style was abstract, depicted by the bodies elongated figures, that are
interconnected and overlapping, creating harmony as they move. (Capella University (n.d.)
Exploring Cultures: Adapting in a Global World, Chapter 1)
The “Sugar Shack”, by Barnes was created during the time when racial segregation was
still highly prevalent in the USA. Laws were passed and implemented to have different racial
groups split up and dictated how people could live. This affected where they could work, live,
education received and which public places they could go to. The setting of the painting is in a
barn, which shows that during this time African Americans were not allowed in dance halls.
Dancing was a way for everyone to come together, express themselves and release tensions.
During Barnes childhood, he was not able to go to a dance hall, so at the age of 13 he snuck into
a hall called the “Armory” to watch the dancers. From his childhood memory of the dancers and
music, he created his masterpiece.
His art displays the time era he was living in and what racial
segregation looked like in his eyes. (Capella University (n.d.) Exploring Cultures: Adapting in a
Global World, Chapter 1)
Cultural Values Conveyed
Barnes portrayed the cultural value of dance (togetherness) in his painting. African
American culture is famous for its tribal dances. These tribal dances were forbidden. Dance was
therapeutic, a bonding experience and a great a way to release tension. Barnes figures are
pictured dancing rhythmically, with limbs intertwined, showing their togetherness.
Barnes also
conveyed the value of humanity in the “Sugar Shack” by painting his characters with their eyes
closed. He felt that we as humans should view each other by our gifts of potential that we have to
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offer and that many people are blinded by color. If we are not able to see the potential of another
human, we are not looking with our eyes open. (Capella University (n.d.) Exploring Cultures:
Adapting in a Global World, Chapter 1)
My Cultural Perspective
I value Barnes’ cultural values of togetherness and humanity. Togetherness plays a large
role in my family, because my husband is Filippino. I have come to appreciate how family works
together and gathers frequently. This could be for meals, parties, or any time and one is always
welcome to stay at one’s house. As a nurse, I try to keep my eyes open regarding all cultural
needs and preferences. I do not let Skin color affect my decisions. I try to respect the values and
cultural beliefs that one might have, so I can respectfully care for my patients. I have personally
connected with Barnes painting, by appreciating his message of humanity and looking at people
with eyes open, not judging, but trying to see people for their potential and what they have to
offer. My other personal view of dancing is that I am afraid to dance in front of others, due to the
feeling of being judged and if everyone’s eyes were closed, maybe I wouldn’t feel that way.
Barnes painting made me think, that if our eyes were closed, we could not judge by just looking,
but by how we feel, see and hear.
Reference
Capella University. (n.d.) Exploring Cultures: Adapting in a Global World, Chapter 1.
Retrieved from
Exploring Cultures: Adapting in a Global World / Chapter 1 (capella.edu)
(n.d.).
The North Carolina Roots of Artist Ernie Barnes
. The North Caroline Museum of
History Foundation. Retrieved November 10, 2023, from
https://www.ncmuseumofhistory.org/exhibits/current-exhibits/previous-exhibits/north-carolina-
roots-artist-ernie-barnes