Object Details
- Label Text
- This drawing is concerned with concepts of the mind and the constellation Hydra, the snake. In some African cultures the snake symbolizes the speed of thought or lightning.
- When researching ideas for this drawing, which is part of his Zulu series, Gavin Jantjes referred to his sketchbooks and notes on astronomy, Khoi San rock painting, and collections of words.
- Description
- Ink on paper painting depicting a circular grid cut off at the bottom and showing constellations with humans, a snake and a ladder over a green and brown background with hints of blue.
- Exhibition History
- African Cosmos: Stellar Arts, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., June 20-December 9, 2012; Newark Museum, February 26-August 11, 2013; Los Angeles County Museum of Art, August 23-November 30, 2014; Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University, Atlanta, January 31-June 21, 2015 (exhibited at NMAfA and Carlos Museum)
- Insights, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., February 27 to November 28, 2004
- Claiming Art / Reclaiming Space: Post Apartheid Art from South Africa, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., June 21-September 26, 1999
- 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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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
- Gavin Jantjes, born 1948, South Africa
- Date
- 1990
- Credit Line
- Purchased with funds provided by the Smithsonian Collections Acquisition Program
- Medium
- Ink on paper
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 70.7 × 104.4 cm (27 13/16 × 41 1/8 in.)
- Type
- Painting
