The Way of Malik

 
The Way of MalikFlorian Jenkins, The Life of Malcolm X, June 15–October 15, 1972, acrylic on cotton canvas and linen canvas. Commissioned by the Afro-American Society, Dartmouth College; P.972.231.

The Way of Malik

Florian Jenkins, The Life of Malcolm X, June 15–October 15, 1972, acrylic on cotton canvas and linen canvas. Commissioned by the Afro-American Society, Dartmouth College; P.972.231.

 

Panel Details

 

Panel in Context

This panel is located the right side of the north wall in the main common room.

This panel is located the right side of the north wall in the main common room.

 

Questions to consider:

  1. In this portrait of Malcolm X, it is clear that Jenkins did not paint a figure that looked like Malcolm.  As demonstrated in Malcolm: A Lifestyle, the lack of resemblance is not because of an inability to paint him.  Why might Jenkins have decided to paint a portrait that more closely resembled a Dartmouth student, rather than Malcolm X?

  2. Due to his public persona, Malcolm X is often thought of as someone who is teaching, giving speeches, and busy out in the community.  Why might Jenkins choose to depict a different version of Malcolm for the final panel in the murals?

 
 
 

[i] Richard Jones (Class of 1974), telephone interview by author, February 24, 2018.