Slow Fade to Black: Katherine Dunham
- Photograph by
- Weems, Carrie Mae, American, born 1953
- Subject of
- Dunham, Katherine, American, 1909 - 2006
- Date
- 2009-2010
- Medium
- inkjet print (a): ink on photographic paper;
- frame (b): acrylic, wood, wire and metal
- Dimensions
- H x W (Image): 11 3/4 × 8 3/4 in. (29.8 × 22.2 cm)
- H x W x D (Frame): 12 7/8 × 9 7/8 × 1 1/2 in. (32.7 × 25.1 × 3.8 cm)
- Description
- Black and white inkjet print (a) of Katherine Dunham and two unidentified individuals in a green frame (b).
- The photograph (a) is intentionally out of focus. The figure of Katherine Dunham is onstage performing in "Cabin in the Sky" with two other performers in costume. Dunham is wearing a flowing skirt and head piece. Dunham is in the middle of a pose with one leg raised and her arms joined in a circle in front of her body. She is looking off camera with her profile visible. The original image shows the arm bands, necklaces, strapless top, and bare feet that are part of Dunham's costume. The accessories and head piece have detailed embellishments. The two male perfomers are playing the drums, and are wearing arm bands and sandals.
- The photograph is inset in the frame (b). The back borders of the frame are raised and have paper tape around the edges. At the top is a sticker with the TransArt International shipping label. The center portion of the frame has two white adhesive labels, one with information about the artist, Carrie Mae Weems. The other has exhibit details and the address for the Jack Shainman Gallery. Below this tag is information about the frame manufacturer. There is a corded metal wire screwed into the frame to hang the photograph.
- Portfolio/Series
- Slow Fade to Black
- Classification
- Visual Arts
- Photographs and Still Images
- Type
- portraits
- inkjet prints
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Jo Carole and Ronald S. Lauder in honor of Richard and Laura Parsons, Colin and Alma Powell, and Darren Walker
- Object number
- 2017.20.12ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- © Carrie Mae Weems
- Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.