“Carolina Morning,” created by Romare Bearden in 1974, is an artwork associated with the Neo-Expressionism and Social Realism movements and falls under the genre of genre painting.
The artwork features a striking collage composition, utilizing vivid blocks of color, abstract shapes, and photographic elements. At the center, there is a prominent figure of a woman with a stylized, expressive face, donned in a patterned headscarf, holding a child. To the left side of the artwork, another figure can be seen walking away, holding a smaller figure by the hand, suggesting themes of family and daily life. The background displays a mixture of serene countryside elements such as green fields and a glowing sun, juxtaposed with abstract linear patterns and some geometric forms that give a contemplative yet vibrant ambiance. The technique employed by Bearden, involving cutouts and varied textures, enhances the narrative and emotional depth of the piece, making it a poignant depiction of African American life and culture.
