The artwork titled “C-Rations,” created by artist Lorna Simpson in 1991, is a representative piece within the postcolonial art movement. Categorized under the genre of photo, Simpson’s work explores nuanced themes with compelling visual and textual elements.
The artwork is presented as a diptych, with two distinct but related black and white photographic frames side by side. On the left frame, there is an image of a plain white ceramic dish with the phrase “NOT GOOD ENOUGH” inscribed across the center. The stark simplicity of the dish against a dark background emphasizes the text. The right frame portrays an upper torso of a person wearing a plain, sleeveless garment. The over-the-shoulder view focuses on the chest area, which bears the inscription “BUT GOOD ENOUGH TO SERVE.” This contrast in statements between the two frames invites contemplation on themes of self-worth, service, and societal expectations. The minimalist approach and the textual elements make for a powerful commentary, characteristic of Simpson’s thoughtful exploration of identity and cultural narratives within the framework of postcolonial discourse.
