Created by
Amos, Emma, American, 1937 - 2020
Subject of
Amos, India DeLaine, American, 1908 - 1979
Date
1991
Medium
acrylic on canvas with fabric collage and African fabric borders
Dimensions
H x W x D: 64 3/4 × 45 3/16 × 2 in. (164.5 × 114.8 × 5.1 cm)
Description
This is a self-portrait created by Emma Amos. In the portrait, Amos is an adult woman falling from the sky while holding over her head a large painted representation of a black-and-white photograph of her mother, India, positioned seated on steps wearing a white dress and facing forward. The source photograph was taken when India was a 21 year old college student.
Amos falling is represented in motion with hair flowing upwards and dress blowing in wind. Her facial expression includes wide eyes with mouth opened as if startled. In the background are sweeping clouds with streaks of yellow paint in the sky. The sky is visible behind the clouds and is represented with various shades of blue paint. Along all four edges is a border made of padded African fabric.
Place made
New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
Portfolio/Series
Falling Figures
Classification
Visual Arts
Type
self-portraits
portraits
Topic
Art
Families
Motherhood
Photography
Textile design
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture and National Portrait Gallery, Museum purchase through the American Women's History Initiative Acquisitions Pool, administered by the Smithsonian American Women's History Initiative and generously supported by American Express
Object number
2022.34
Restrictions & Rights
© 1991, Emma Amos, Courtesy of Ryan Lee Gallery, New York
Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd50db7a0be-2686-45e9-885b-09ba7dbdb0fe

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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