Step on Board

"Step On Board"

Fern Cunningham (American)

1999

Fern Cunningham is an Art teacher at the Park School in Brookline, Ma, and also is a sculptor.  Focusing on African-American history in her sculptures, "Step on Board" is an inspirational sculpture of Harriet Tubman marching forward, "gaze set firmly forward toward the goal of freedom for herself and the group of slaves who follow her." (www.salemstate.edu). It symbolizes the power of the goal of freedom and leadership. This is shown through the placement and hand positioning of Tubman and her foot "in front of"/"leading" the sculpture (leadership), and the sense of unity of characters in the back (all have the goal of freedom). In addition, the facial expressions and "body language" of the characters portrays perseverance, hardship, and also leadership, all of which the slaves and Tubman had to "endure." The artist does an amazing job of illustrating the story of Harriet Tubman and the slaves and makes the viewer inspired to be a leader like Harriet Tubman.