The Massachusetts 54th Regiment: In History, Visual and Performing Arts

My photo of Augustus Saint-Gaudens' Memorial to Robert Gould Shaw and the Massachusetts 54th Regiment at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Last month when I visited the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. for the first time, I stood in front of Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ Memorial to Robert Gould Shaw and the Massachusetts 54th Regiment in admiration and remembrance.

I admired the actions of the Massachusetts 54th Regiment, the first formal unit in the U.S. made up entirely of black men during the Civil War, and their leader, Col. Shaw, a 25-year-old son of Boston abolitionists.  I also admired the talent of sculptor Saint-Gaudens who was commissioned to create a Robert Gould Shaw Memorial, which took 14 years to make, unveiled on the Boston Common on Memorial Day, 1897. It is now a part of the Boston Black Heritage trail.  He also created a full-scale plaster version of the monument, previously kept at his home in Cornish, N. H., adjusted and housed at the National Gallery of Art since 1997.

The works of art commemorate the brave regiment who stormed Fort Wagner at the port of Charleston, S.C. July 18, 1863 (President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation Jan. 1, 1863). Though Shaw and one-third of his men were killed, their actions legitimized the idea of black men in the military and is also said to have helped secure the Union's ultimate victory.

Me on the steps of the National Gallery of Art in January.

Saint-Gaudens was a teen in New York City in 1863 when members of the regiment met their heroic fate.  Ironically, what I remembered standing in front his artwork was the first time I ever learned of the regiment as an early teen watching the film, "Glory."  

My father showed my brother sister and me the Academy Award-winning film by Edward Zwick during a Blockbuster Video night in our New York household in the early '90s.  I had no clue what it was about, just that the lead character, Matthew Broderick, from one of my favorite teenage angst films, "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," had a role as did one of my mother's favorite actors, Denzel Washington and also Morgan Freeman, who I knew from watching "The Electric Company."

In "Glory" (1989), told from the perspective of Col. Shaw, played by Broderick, you take a look inside of the 54th Regiment.  From the performances -- Washington won the 1990 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his character, " Private Trip" -- to the significance of the story in American history, I was affected by the film.  I was so glad my parents let me see it.  I had a ton of questions for my American History teacher like, "Why am I just now hearing of this?” and I also started to read more about the men.

Both the Memorial to Captain Robert Gould Shaw and “Glory” are artistic interpretations of the bravery of Shaw and the Massachusetts 54th Regiment.  It’s always interesting to recognize how as a society we use our talents to process history.  Through literature, the visual arts and performing arts the efforts of these men will never be forgotten.

The Art of Inspiration

"...of Prosperity," 2011 by Mary Sibande front and back view

To say art is inspiring is an understatement in my opinion. James Craft, an art professor, once told me, “Everything you see not growing was designed by an artist," which I agree with. And, I believe God is the artist of what is growing. So, art is a part of our daily lives.

During the holiday season, I was able to attend the opening reception for "Say it Loud!: Art by African and African-American Artists in the Collection" at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach on Dec. 27. The exhibition was organized by Cheryl Brutvan, director of curatorial affairs and curator of contemporary art at the Norton. It was made possible in part through the support of The Diane Belfer Endowment for Sculpture and the support of the West Palm Beach Chapter of The Links, Inc. Sculptures, paintings, works on paper, textiles and photographs by artists living in Africa or of African descent showcasing art in the Norton Museum's collection as well as new pieces spanning the 20th and 21st century are on display.

As we were guided in a tour led by Glenn Tomlinson, William Randolph Hearst curator of education at the Norton, the first piece of work at the entrance stopped us all in our tracks. It is a work of art by South African artist Mary Sibande made of fiberglass and cotton fabric. Named "...of Prosperity," the sculpture of a woman "Sophie" as well as her garments symbolize South Africa's colonial past and Dutch influence meeting the present democracy. Sophie also represents Sibande's family history as her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother were domestic workers. Sophie does not represent a negative image of workers; rather she is confident and the center of attention with opulent garments.

Some of the artists featured in the exhibition also include Jacob Lawrence, Alison Saar, Faith Ringgold, Radcliffe Bailey and photography by Gordon Parks. I think the exhibition is inspiring, educational and beautiful. Although the Norton does have a permanent collection of African-American art in different locations throughout the museum, it was great to see an actual section dedicated to the artwork.

"Say it Loud!" will be displayed at the Norton through March 3, 2013. I might have to take a trip back before then.

Click here to see WPBT2's video of Glenn Tomlinson explaining the exhibit.

An attendee studies "Rio Dulce," 1993 by Alison Saar.

"Man with Flowers," 1954 by Jacob Lawrence