Slave Ship America

Item

Title

Slave Ship America

Description

Two worn wooden boards form the front and back of the sculpture; they are supported by a base of two wider wooden boards. The white painted lettering on these boards read "SLAVE SHIP AMERICA." A metal bar that forms a T shape extends upward from the back board, and an oxidized chain hangs from from the bar. A small opening between the boards is filled with a variety of found objects including a a small plastic replica of the head of the Statue of Liberty, a small replica ship, a glass jar, and a rusted metal gear. Several objects sit on top of these boards, including a small replica of the head of the Statue of Liberty, a small replica ship, a glass jar, and a rusted metal gear. A red metal sign with white lettering is placed on the ground in front, partially obscured by grass and the passage of time. It reads "ATLANTIC OCEAN / MIDDLE PASSAGE / DIASPORA / TO THE AMERICAS 4 EUROPE / BURIAL WATERS OF MILLIONS / [indiscernible] OUR AFRICAN ANCESTORS / [bottom line indiscernible]." A white concrete human figure is placed to the left of the sculpture. Several feet to the left of the sculpture, a ceramic figure of a boy is bound by oxidized chains. Several feet to the right sits a gathering of plastic sharks and planks reading "Jaws." This assemblage is attached to "American Hut."

Subject

Creator

Minter, Joe

Language

English

Type

Assemblages (sculpture)

Format

wooden board
found objects
painted wood