Eleanora Fagan
Drawing, 15 x 22
Artist Statement
Eleanora Fagan, also known as Billie Holiday, was an American jazz and swing music singer. Her song Strange Fruit””n has entered legend as a bold confrontation that helped galvanize a movement that would eventually alter the course of US history. Anti-lynching campaigners sent Strange Fruit to congressmen to encourage them to propose a viable anti-lynching bill. in 2021 it was listed as the 21st best song on their “Top 500 Best Songs of All Time”.
Human rights matters are often complex. Art reflects one of the most fundamental human rights. Whether someone is creating art or observing it, the experience is personal, as it bears witness to the human experience. Art serves an important role in human rights advocacy. I believe that use of imagery influences societies, helping raise awareness of social and political issues.
