The artwork titled “Jazz Stories: Mama Can Sing, Papa Can Blow #1: Somebody Stole My Broken Heart” was created by Faith Ringgold in 2004. It is a prominent piece within the Postcolonial art movement and belongs to the figurative genre.
The vibrant tapestry presents a dynamic scene of jazz musicians and a singer, characterized by bold, rich colors and expressive figures. The central figure, a woman adorned in a bright yellow dress, stands with her arms outstretched, seemingly in the midst of a powerful vocal performance. She is surrounded by three male musicians: a saxophonist, a bassist, and a drummer, all deeply engaged in their instruments. The colorful and patterned background, along with the musicians’ lively expressions, evoke the energetic and passionate atmosphere of a jazz performance. The detailed border frames the active composition, further emphasizing the rhythmic and cultural essence captured by the artist.