Sugar Shack This prompt was very difficult for me to answer considering myself to be a person who loves art. After much consideration, I have concluded that my favorite piece of art is “Sugar Shack” by Ernie Barnes. Barnes created this piece in 1976; it was greatly popularized by an American sitcom called, Good Times. People also recall the painting for being the cover of Marvin Gaye’s album, I Want You. The media exposure of Barnes’s painting easily allowed for this piece to be memorable for many in the black community. When I examine this painting, it reminds of the joy black people share when we are in environments together. Seeing the people dancing, playing music, and interacting with each other in this piece inevitably reminds me of how these actions are deeply rooted into the Black American experience. Another reason why I love this piece so much is because of how the artist uniquely uses the elements of art. His use of bold colors for the outfits on the people make a beautiful contrast against their brown skin. I really love this because it captures a sense of honor in our skin complexions. For so long, black people were taught that brown skin was deemed “undesirable,” but this painting allows Black Americans to feel a sense of pride. Barnes’s use of shape is also another notable feature in this piece. Through the use of shape, he accurately molds the bodies of black people which was something that was also shunned by the majority. Overall, the little details that are used in this piece significantly tie into the bigger picture. As stated before, “Sugar Shack” has made an indelible impression on me and people in my community. There is no doubt that it will continue to do so.