In this art intervention at the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin, one of Germany’s most esteemed museums of traditional Western painting, the artist reverses the roles of “black” and “white,” switching their positions of leadership and support. The image makes us feel abnormal, and she asks the audience why.

The original painting depicts the biblical Magi visiting the newborn Jesus. Balthazar, on the left, was originally thought to be Arab. However, as the transatlantic slave trade expanded, Western art began depicting him as a Black African. In this picture, the composition makes the dark-skinned figures appear to be servants of the light-skinned individuals.

Although Christianity is a cosmopolitan religion and Christ himself was of Middle Eastern descent, he is often depicted as white in Europe. The consistent portrayal of key figures as white could reveal a persistent racial bias in visual culture.

reference: Exhibition Explores Balthazar, an African King, in Medieval and Renaissance Art

The original painting depicts the biblical Magi visiting the newborn Jesus. Balthazar, on the left, was originally thought to be Arab. However, as the transatlantic slave trade expanded, Western art began depicting him as a Black African. In this picture, the composition makes the dark-skinned figures appear to be servants of the light-skinned individuals.

reference: Exhibition Explores Balthazar, an African King, in Medieval and Renaissance Art