In the field of modern art history, the work titled "Singing Their Songs" was created by which artist?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Elizabeth Catlett

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
"Singing Their Songs" is an important print in modern art, associated with African American artist Elizabeth Catlett. She is known for her powerful depictions of Black life, especially women, workers, and civil rights themes. This question checks whether you can correctly match a well known artwork to its creator, which is a common type of general knowledge and art history question.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The artwork title is "Singing Their Songs".
  • The options list several well known artists from different periods and backgrounds.
  • Only one of these artists is accurately associated with this particular work.
  • You are expected to recall or deduce which artist focused on themes of African American life and protest in such prints.


Concept / Approach:
The central idea is matching an artwork with its artist. Elizabeth Catlett was an African American sculptor and printmaker whose work often featured strong, expressive images of Black women and communities. She produced a series of prints illustrating poems such as "For My People." "Singing Their Songs" belongs to this tradition. Other artists listed created very different types of work, often in different eras and contexts, so you can eliminate them by comparing styles and themes.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Elizabeth Catlett worked extensively with lithographs and prints that highlighted African American experiences. Step 2: Remember that "Singing Their Songs" is documented as one of her color lithograph prints created in the late twentieth century. Step 3: Consider Francisco de Goya, who was an eighteenth and nineteenth century Spanish painter and printmaker known for works like "The Third of May 1808," not this title. Step 4: Note that Vija Celmins is associated with highly realistic drawings and prints of natural textures such as ocean surfaces and night skies. Step 5: Recall that Louise Bourgeois is famous for sculptures and installations like giant spider forms, rather than this specific print. Step 6: Recognize that Pablo Picasso, while extremely famous, is not connected to the work "Singing Their Songs." Step 7: Conclude that Elizabeth Catlett is the correct artist for the given work.


Verification / Alternative check:
Museum catalogues and online collections clearly list "Singing Their Songs" as a work by Elizabeth Catlett, often describing it as part of a portfolio related to the poem "For My People." These references emphasize her role as both a political and artistic voice. No reliable sources attribute this title to Goya, Celmins, Bourgeois, or Picasso, which confirms that option a is correct.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b is wrong because Goya belonged to an earlier period and his famous series have different titles. Option c is incorrect; Celmins focuses on detailed, almost photographic renderings of natural forms. Option d is wrong because Bourgeois is primarily known for sculptures and installations with psychological themes, not this print. Option e is incorrect since Picasso's major works have titles like "Guernica," not "Singing Their Songs."


Common Pitfalls:
Many learners automatically choose the most famous name, such as Picasso, when they do not recognize a title. Others may confuse Elizabeth Catlett with different women artists. To avoid such mistakes, associate Catlett with African American printmaking and socially engaged art. Linking each artist to typical subjects and periods will also help you eliminate unlikely options in similar questions.


Final Answer:
Elizabeth Catlett

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