Draw Them In, Paint Them Out: Trenton Doyle Hancock Confronts Philip Guston

Trenton Doyle Hancock, The Former and the Ladder or Ascension and a Cinchin', 2012

    The Jewish Museum's latest exhibition, "Draw Them In, Paint Them Out: Trenton Doyle Hancock Confronts Philip Guston," offers a profound exploration of the works of two artists—20th-century Jewish painter Philip Guston and contemporary Black artist Trenton Doyle Hancock. Despite their temporal and cultural differences, the exhibition reveals their shared commitment to investigating the legacy of white supremacism in the United States through irony and humor.

    Guston’s iconic series of satirical Klansmen from the Ku Klux Klan serves as a focal point. In these works, Guston’s hooded figures, with their unsettlingly banal activities, encapsulate the absurdity and horror of racist ideology. Hancock, inspired by Guston, introduces his Black superhero, Torpedoboy, from the series "Epidemic! Presents: Step and Screw!" Through this character, Hancock directly engages with Guston’s hooded alter-ego, creating a dialogue that examines racism and white supremacy.

    One standout piece by Hancock, "The Former and the Ladder or Ascension and a Cinchin'," juxtaposes the heroic figure of Torpedoboy with grotesque, caricatured depictions of white supremacy. The work confronts the viewer with the ongoing struggle against racial injustice and highlights Hancock's unique visual language. Guston’s "The Studio," depicting a hooded figure painting a self-portrait, is another powerful piece. This self-reflective work delves into Guston’s introspection and complicity within systems of power, prompting viewers to question their roles in perpetuating these systems.

    By foregrounding works that depict the Klan, the exhibition effectively shows how both Guston and Hancock use their art to critique and satirize institutionalized power. This dialogical approach not only highlights their thematic similarities but also emphasizes their distinct artistic voices. "Draw Them In, Paint Them Out" is an inspiring exhibition, offering a nuanced perspective on the intersection of art, identity, and activism. Through the lens of these two artists, the Jewish Museum has created a space for reflection and dialogue on some of the most pressing issues of our time.

Polina Ostrovskaya