Jackie Print

Who is Jackie Robinson? Jackie Robinson was a trailblazer in baseball and in American history. He broke the race barrier in 1947 when he became the first African American to play in the major leagues. He faced discrimination and hostility from fans, opponents, and even some teammates, but he persevered with courage and dignity. He was an outstanding player who won many awards and honors, including the Rookie of the Year, the Most Valuable Player, and a place in the Hall of Fame. He also used his fame and influence to advocate for civil rights and social justice. Jackie Robinson was not only a great athlete, but also a great human being who inspired millions of people with his bravery and integrity. With a bio like this, it is only fair he should find a place in the 'Legends of the Game' series. The questioned I posed to myself as an artist: how to convey his life challenges and successes in an athletic piece within the given dimensions? The process led me to depict him in landscape form to give space and context around him. Like the earth beneath him, he is depicted in full color. Yet the audience and the opposing player are the obstacles in his stories. They are stuck in a limited world that sees in black and white. But Jackie has already defeated them, he is living in color. The colored pencil application needed to be mid-toned as to not alienate the black and white background. I do not know if I succeeded in harmonizing the colorful subject with the black and white background, but if not, perhaps it serves as a reminder that the two worldviews cannot co-exist. The conception of this work was not difficult, but to execute it in a way that viewers could appreciate and interpret, that's another story. I hope viewers will feel the tension and disharmony, while still appreciating the forward march of Jackie Robinson.