The artwork titled “Exodus of Confederates from Atlanta, from Harper’s Pictorial History of the Civil War (Annotated)” was created by the artist Kara Walker in 2005. It belongs to the Feminist Art movement and is classified as figurative in genre.
This piece features a striking juxtaposition of silhouettes and historical imagery. In the foreground, a large, black silhouette of a woman’s profile dominates the composition, intricately cut out to reveal a detailed historical scene from Harper’s Pictorial History of the Civil War in the background. The background scene depicts the aftermath of the Confederates’ departure from Atlanta, with various figures and buildings contributing to a narrative of displacement and transition. The silhouette’s bold, solid form contrasts starkly with the more detailed, intricate depiction of the historical event, creating a layered and thought-provoking commentary on history, memory, and identity. The artwork engages viewers in a dialogue about the interplay between these elements, inviting reflection on the interpretations and legacy of historical events through a contemporary lens.
