Object Details
- Series
- 3/40
- Label Text
- Shilakoe's imagery focuses on the degrading effects of apartheid and addresses the human condition. The figures in this print represent humanity groping for answers in a bigoted, unjust system--searching for relief, reform and renewed vision.
- Description
- Etching in black ink of three large, vertical figures almost entirely filling the space. The round-headed figures stand straight-legged against a dark background with eyes downcast. The figure at right wears a skirt and headwear with elaborate geometric patterns. The somewhat larger central figure wears a patterned waistcloth and has many body markings. The figure at left wears a white tunic and neck beads, and stands before a gray upper left corner, while the other two figures stand before a stark black background.
- Provenance
- Charlton and Sylvia Williams, Washington, D.C., circa 1987 to 1996
- Charlton Williams, Washington, D.C., 1996 to 2002
- Exhibition History
- Recent Acquisitions and Promised Gifts, National Museum of Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., October 18, 2002-January 5, 2003
- Content Statement
- As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
- Image Requests
- High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
- Data Source
- National Museum of African Art
- Maker
- Cyprian Mpho Shilakoe, 1941-1972, born South Africa
- Date
- 1971
- Credit Line
- Bequest of Charlton E. Williams
- Medium
- Etching on paper
- Dimensions
- H x W: 36 x 25.7 cm (14 3/16 x 10 1/8 in.) (sheet)
- Type
