African Matriarch
Item
Title
African Matriarch
Description
A long horizontal bridge composed of wooden deck materials makes up the majority of this assemblage. The center post of the back railing extends upwards, forming the spine of the matriarch. Her body is evoked by a vertically positioned full-sized metal mattress box spring that has oxidized. Interlaced in the springs are a number of larger metal oars in various states of disrepair, two lighting components that appear to be from a larger truck, and two bicycle helmets (one green and one yellow). Her head is made of a car light, affixed with wire to a number of white steel rectangle grates that frame her face. From this framing extends four tennis rackets (two in either direction) and two diagonal crutches as adornment. The wooden desk railings represent her arms "outstretched." On the deck are placed a red motorcycle helmet, a hub cab, and a large tree branch. To the farther left of the deck are a stack of what appear to be large red plastic numbers and letters.
Minter describes this sculpture as so imposing because he "needed to give all the respect he gave her. Without the African matriarch, this country would be in a bad shape." This sculpture is described as being protected by the nearby "Two Zulu warriors" sculpture. Minter underscored that when viewed from behind the African Matriarch looks out onto much of African Village in America.
Minter describes this sculpture as so imposing because he "needed to give all the respect he gave her. Without the African matriarch, this country would be in a bad shape." This sculpture is described as being protected by the nearby "Two Zulu warriors" sculpture. Minter underscored that when viewed from behind the African Matriarch looks out onto much of African Village in America.
Subject
Assemblages (sculpture) See all items with this value
Motherhood See all items with this value
Creator
Minter, Joe
Language
English
Type
Assemblages (sculpture) See all items with this value