This painting was done by Faith in 1964, the year after we had begun school at New Lincoln in Harlem. It is called Hide Little Children for many reasons I am sure. Among them my mother's concern for our safety in the context of integration in the North. When this painting emerged and she explained that it was about us and our white friends, it gave me a good feeling because I read its message as highly protective. Our play and thus our relationships were hidden from view in an idyllic landscape, but as in William Blake's notion of childhood and innocence, it wasn't going to be possible to grow up, venture out and hold on to that innocence at the same time. That was just about right.
The American People Series #15: Hide Little Children 1964
(Oil on canvas) 36" x 32" Private Collection.
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