Come Sunday

“Come Sunday” by Romare Bearden is a powerful collage that captures the essence of African American life and spirituality. The central figure, a woman with a baby in her arms, is constructed using layered shapes and textures, emphasizing Bearden’s signature collage style. The woman’s face is made of a textured, dark material, and her head is adorned with a patterned headscarf, blending abstraction and realism. She holds a wooden post, gazing outwards with a calm, contemplative expression, suggesting a moment of reflection.

In the background, a small, distant scene shows two figures walking, one of whom appears to be guiding a child, adding a narrative element of community and family. The use of bold, contrasting colors—yellows, greens, blues, and browns—creates a vibrant yet harmonious composition that reflects both the struggles and resilience of African American life.

The title, “Come Sunday”, likely alludes to the day of worship in the African American church, a central theme in Bearden’s works that celebrates culture, faith, and community. The piece is a rich, layered portrayal of the African American experience, combining a sense of history, identity, and emotional depth through Bearden’s distinct visual language.