Dance

DanceFlorian Jenkins, The Life of Malcolm X, June 15–October 15, 1972, acrylic on cotton canvas and linen canvas. Commissioned by the Afro-American Society, Dartmouth College; P.972.231.

Dance

Florian Jenkins, The Life of Malcolm X, June 15–October 15, 1972, acrylic on cotton canvas and linen canvas. Commissioned by the Afro-American Society, Dartmouth College; P.972.231.

 

Where am I?

If you walk into the building you will notice that this panel is nowhere to be found. That is because in 1997 space was made for an elevator to meet ADA needs in the building. The mural was taken down from its original location in the basement and is now located in the residential fellow’s apartment which was built in the same year. It is no longer available to the public.

 

Panel in Context

Dance was originally located on the wall in the basement facing the opened recreational space.

 

Questions to consider:

  1. Why might Jenkins have chosen to depict the figures in this piece moving in extreme, super-human positions instead of more commonly recognized dance moves?
  2. This panel is the only one that has been moved from its original location and is no longer opened to the public.  Does your perception or understanding of the murals change knowing this one is included?