“Cotton Pickin'” is a genre painting created in 1948 by the renowned artist Clementine Hunter. This artwork, measuring 40.64 x 50.8 cm, is an oil painting produced in Natchitoches, United States. It belongs to the Folk art and Outsider art movements.
The artwork depicts a vibrant scene of individuals engaged in the activity of cotton picking. The composition features rows of figures, each bent over, diligently collecting cotton from the plants. The figures are adorned in brightly colored garments and hats, standing out against the softer, nuanced hues of the plantation background. The simplicity and boldness of form are characteristic of Folk art, displaying a naive style that speaks to the earnestness and toil of the subjects. The figures, positioned in a rhythmic pattern, convey a sense of the repetitive and laborious nature of the work. The signature “CH” visible in the piece marks the distinct and revered touch of Clementine Hunter.
