“Can I Pass? Introducing the Paper Bag to the Fan Test for the Month of March,” 2011 by Firelei Báez, references the American “paper bag” test used in the first half of the 20th century as a barometer for light skinned blacks and the “fan test” common in the Dominican Republic.
NEW YORK—Throughout 2011, the United Nations is celebrating the International Year for People of African Descent. “African Continuum: Celebrating Diversity, Recognizing the Contributions of People of African Descent,” an exhibition of art, photography, objects and multimedia at the UN, is a part of the year-long observance.
The exhibit is on view in the lobby of the UN from Oct. 19 to Nov. 28, 2011.
Photos by Arts Observer
“After the Throne,” 2010 (recycled IKEA stools, West African fabric, basewood, foam, mannequins, silver tray, sugar) by Wahala Temi
Above, from left: “Young Hamer girl and arm bracelets,” 2009 by Chester Higgins; “Superstar,” 2009 (mixed media) by Delphine Diallo. Below, “ctr/alt/delete (mama said knock you out),” 2008 (chalk on chalkboard, Rockem’ Sockem’ Robots, reclaimed history books, wood chair, upholstery nails) by André Leon Gray
