Blackface

David Levinthal has for years employed his toy collection to prompt viewers to challenge stereotypes, question national myths, and problematize popular (mis)perceptions. His blow-up images of miniature toy tableaux have re-created scenes of racism, genocide, and sexual fantasies. Perhaps his most important and provocative body of work to date, Levinthal's recent project explores the blackface myth embodied in "black memorabilia", household objects from the first half of the twentieth century that were infused with African American stereotypes. Levinthal's Blackface images question the manufacture and popularity of these objects, including a recent resurgence of their collectibility among African Americans. This important tome confronts the blackface myth and demands a response from each viewer, regardless of race, age, or gender.… (more)