Los Infrahumanos: The Sub-humans

From a young age, South American artist Antonio Frasconi (1919-2013) created work with social and political themes. Like many young socialist Uruguayans, Frasconi looked at the United States as a model. The race riots of June 1943 in Detroit, however, shocked and empowered him to create a portfolio of linocuts entitled Los Infrahumanos ("The Sub-humans"). In these prints he depicted the experience of African Americans and the progression of the way they were treated in the United States. This work was first displayed in a socialist gathering place, however, they were soon taken down after others felt it dangerous to criticize their allies in wartime. This exhibit incorporates this work as well as the letter he wrote to Richard Wright asking for advice. The response he received inspired Frasconi to continue his response to social concerns as well as influenced the format of his work to focus on a theme or a written text and create a sequence in either a portfolio or book form. Curated by Faulconer Gallery Intern Grace Withmory '13.