“The Block (detail)” is an artwork created by Romare Bearden in 1971. It falls within the Outsider art and Social Realism movements and is categorized under the genre of genre painting. The artwork exhibits a detailed and compelling visual narrative.
The artwork presents a striking collage of various human figures, depicted through a mix of cut-out images and drawings, creating a layered and textural scene. The figures are engaged in different activities, suggesting a sense of daily life and community. The use of varied materials in monochromatic tones and selective colors enhances the depth and complexity of the composition. The artist’s choice to blend different textual elements and perspectives adds a dynamic and vibrant quality to the overall piece, evoking the rich, multifaceted experiences of urban life.