The leader

 
The LeaderFlorian 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 Leader

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

Click on the image to learn more.

 

Panel in Context

This panel is located on the wall directly in front of the main entrance to the building.

This panel is located on the wall directly in front of the main entrance to the building.

 

Questions to consider:

  1. There is no doubt that facial expressions are an important feature of this panel. Each figure bears a slightly different gaze. How would you characterize each individual’s expression?   

  2. In this panel and going forward, how does Jenkins portray women? What role do they play in the overall story of the murals?

  3. As the first panel in the series and the first plainly visible to guests who walk inside the Shabazz Center, how does this work set the tone for the remainder of the murals? What message does it suggest about the purpose of the building?

 
 
 

[i] Florian Jenkins, “The Temple Murals,” 1972; reprinted in Life of Malcolm X by Florian Jenkins, Stefan Bradley and Crishuana Williams (Hanover, NH: Hood Museum of Art, 2014).