Fun #2

Identification of Fun #2 by Benny Andrews

In this 2002 oil painting, Fun #2, artist Benny Andrews presents a quiet, lighthearted domestic scene. The work captures a group of figures, likely a Black family, gathered within a stylized interior. There is a sense of gentle movement and connection between the subjects as they occupy the space together.

The piece is held within the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art collection. It reflects a specific moment in Andrews' later career, focusing on the nuances of everyday life and familial interaction. The composition relies on a blend of figuration and pattern to establish its atmosphere.

• Title: Fun #2
• Artist: Benny Andrews
• Date: 2002
• Collection: Spelman College Museum of Fine Art

Composition and Visual Elements

The composition relies on a sophisticated interplay of figuration, color, texture, and pattern. Andrews employs a visually flattened appearance for the figures, stripping away traditional three-dimensional depth to focus on the essential arrangement of the scene. This stylization is most apparent in the anatomy of the subjects, which feature slightly exaggerated, long, and spindly limbs and fingers. Such distortions lend a specific, rhythmic quality to the domestic interaction being depicted.

Patterning is used to define the space and the characters within it. A floral motif wallpaper covers the background, while stripes appear on the dress of a female figure. The floor is grounded by a patterned rug border. Within this setting, a child—likely an artist—is seen drawing a pair of dancing figures on a table. This small, internal drawing mirrors the composition of the two primary figures in the room, creating a subtle, recursive visual echo.

• Flattened figuration with elongated, spindly limbs
• Floral motif wallpaper and striped textile patterns
• A recursive composition where a child's drawing mirrors the main figures
• A patterned rug border defining the floor plane

Related Works by Benny Andrews

To understand the evolution of Andrews's visual language, one might look toward his earlier explorations. His 1965 work, Death of the Crow, offers an early glimpse into his expressive style, rendered in black and white oil on canvas. This period established the foundations for the bold forms seen in his later compositions.

His later years saw a continued engagement with social themes, particularly through his involvement with the John Lewis Series. These works include:

• Weathering The Storm (John Lewis Series), 2005
• Confrontation 2 (John Lewis Series), 2006

There is also a notable connection to his graphic studies. His 1970 drawing, Little Richard (Study for Symbols), features a figure with outstretched arms in a gesture of rejoicing. This specific pose appears as a visual echo in other works, signaling a return to themes of jubilation.

Where to See This Artwork Today

This specific work, Fun #2, is held within the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art collection. It remains a significant part of their permanent holdings, preserved alongside other works by the artist that have been donated to the institution.

The artist's presence in the art world is felt through various international collections. You might encounter his pieces in several locations, including:

• The Museum Collection Hugo Fischer in Bühl, Germany
• The Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans

His work is featured in museum collections worldwide. This global reach ensures that his visual language continues to be studied and viewed in many different contexts.