Glenn Ligon’s artwork entitled RUNAWAYS was very interesting to me because it shows how runaway slaves were described differently from various descriptors. These advertisements serve as a reflection of classified ads once created by enslavers. They carry details crucial for identifying a runaway from physical attributes, demeanor, and attire. In Ligon’s recreation of these ads, he becomes the focal point, with descriptions given by his friends. This juxtaposition blurs the lines between the runaway slaves as “property” and the personal insights offered by others. Likewise, in the INTERWOVEN exhibit in Brownsburg, VA, there was a large runaway slave ad pasted on the wall. It was labeled as a $30 reward for catching “a Mulatto Slave, named John, aged about 30. He is very bright mulatto – freckled face – Red whiskers and red bushy speakslow – voice feminine – has a down look and is tolerably stout built.” I was first struck by the fact the reward was only $30 for the life of a human being. Additionally, it then caught my attention that the description of a Black man could be faulty. As seen in Ligon’s artwork, multiple perspectives were offered based on one person. The incorporation of a runaway slave ad in the exhibit was unique.
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I think your point is really interesting. It also challenges me to then raise more questions as well, was there a reason they chose each word in the exhibit like they did? With the way the creators explained it to us, it seemed like they did. I agree that the juxtaposition in the artwork plays a role in the blurring of lines between runaways slaves as “property” vs people. the 30$ price tag for a human life is striking for sure. I do think the incorporation of a modern day comparison really helped me to better understand the price tag. But it is really hard to even comprehend that a price was put on something priceless, a human life. This makes us take a step back and continue to look at history with compassion and empathy. Not everything is going to be easy but it is all information we need to hear to be better in the future.