“Mr. Prejudice,” created by Horace Pippin in 1943, is an oil on canvas painting that belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. This symbolic artwork is housed in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, located in Philadelphia, PA, US.
The artwork portrays a powerful and symbolic scene, depicting figures from different racial backgrounds and facets of American society during World War II. Central in the composition is a large “V” which likely symbolizes victory, underlined by a shirtless figure holding a sledgehammer, signifying labor and effort towards breaking societal restraints. Surrounding this figure are various symbolic characters: a representation of the Statue of Liberty on the left, African American soldiers and aviators, and individuals in civilian attire juxtaposed with ominous figures like a member of the Ku Klux Klan. The background is a blend of somber and resolute colors, enhancing the solemn atmosphere of the painting. This artwork by Pippin critically addresses themes of prejudice and segregation, reflecting the racial tensions in the United States during that era.
