African Labor in the United States

Title

Description

Complex assemblage that primarily revolves around a tall oxidized pole with two horizontal arms, mounted so it swivels from its base. Down the pole is painted "AFRICAN" and across an attached metal beam is painted "LABOR IN USA." Attached to the top arm are three crutches. Attached to the second arm are chains interwoven with multiple oxidized laboring implements including a metal iron, a white hard hat, and coal mining tools. A grated iron board is propped against the primary pole, from which rests additional tools of the trade including a shovel, an additional ironing board (one for a mother and one for a daughter), a metal pail, a lunch box, a sewing machine, and a hoe. When describing the sculpture, Minter calls attention to the memory of the black labor handling these tools, feeling their spirit and their exploitation.

Subject

Assemblages (sculpture) See all items with this value

African American History See all items with this value

Language

English

Type