- 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.