On View
Cultural Expressions Gallery
Exhibition
Cultural Expressions
Created by
Biggers, John, American, 1924 - 2001
Printed by
Hand Graphics, American, founded 1974
Date
1984
Medium
lithographic ink on Arches (TM) paper
Dimensions
framed: 47 1/2 x 35 1/2 x 1 3/8 in. (120.7 x 90.2 x 3.5 cm)
H x W (unframed): 42 x 29 11/16 in. (106.7 x 75.4 cm)
Description
A color lithograph print on cream-colored Arches paper titled Upper Room by John Biggers. The print's image is focused on three women with their backs toward the viewer. The woman on the left carries on her back a tall trellis structure, with a plant interwoven among the lattice. At the top of the trellis, two figures stand, their arms raised to each hold up a peaked roof. The woman's hands rest on the back of the woman at the center of the print. She and the third woman are holding up a small house, with the structure resting on their heads. The front of the house is open and inside a table is visible in front of a bed and curtained window. Two chairs stand on either side of the opening into the bedroom, and a horseshoe is nailed above. At the top of the peaked roof is a small tower with a bell. To the right side of the print, is a tree with bare branches crossed by lines of ropes or wires. Below the tree, are two kettles and eight chickens moving up and away from the women towards the top of the tree. Three upturned kettles rest on the very top of the tree's branches, with a bird rising in flight. Above and behind the scene is the night sky, with shooting stars moving from left to right, forming the big dipper in front of a crescent moon. Within the dipper formed by the stars, a wooden or gourd dipper is upturned, appearing to pour light down onto the kettles and tree. At the bottom left is the edition [26/75] and title ["Upper Room"]. At the bottom right is the artist's signature with date [John Biggers 1984].
Place printed
Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, New Mexico, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Visual Arts
Type
color lithographs
Topic
American South
Art
Domestic life
Families
Social reform
Spirituality
Women
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2007.6.2
Restrictions & Rights
© Artists Rights Society
Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5ec935cf1-d3ae-4c70-91a1-bcce900aeb5e

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

Share this page