Created by
Chase-Riboud, Barbara, American and French, born 1939
Produced by
Fonderia Bonvicini, Italian, founded 1960
Date
1994
Medium
polished bronze, silk and synthetic silk
Dimensions
79 x 52 x 32 in. (200.7 x 132.1 x 81.3 cm)
Caption
Esteemed author and artist Barbara Chase-Riboud is celebrated for her unique abstract sculptures that combine traditional, as well as non-traditional materials, such as bronze, silk, rayon, cotton, and wool. She states, “I decided to use silk like you would use clay, sculpting it … because silk is such a strong material and it’s practically indestructible, like bronze is indestructible.”
Tantra I is part of a tripartite series that invokes the Hindu goddess Shakti, whose various manifestations include creativity, female energy, cosmic consciousness, and power. The term tantra has numerous and complex meanings within Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Within the context of Chase-Riboud’s work, tantra may allude to doctrines associated with rituals, disciplines, meditation, and sexual practices composed as dialogues between Shakti and her male consort, Shiva.
Description
An abstract scuplture consisting of a mass of polished bronze shapes from which are suspended cascading cords of knotted silk.
Classification
Visual Arts
Type
sculpture
Topic
Art
Hinduism
Sexuality
Spirituality
Women
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Roger and Caroline Ford
Object number
2014.62
Restrictions & Rights
© Barbara Chase-Riboud
Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd512b0390a-51f4-473c-a34b-9071a648ee5f

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

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