Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2021.005.038 |
Object Name |
Sculpture |
Description |
This 3D sculptural mask is made with a rough chunk of wood with lots of texture, potentially pine as it is not too heavy. Minimally shaped, the artist seems to have added definition to existing formations to define the face, working with the wood's grain and natural shape. The texture around the bottom calls to mind a rough chin, with the suggestion of a beard. A hollow channel through the center of the forehead travels down to two holes drilled and hollowed that suggest nostrils. Within the hollowed channel, bright green, purple, orange and yellow paint is washed, highlighting the wood's texture, and drawing attention to embedded jewelry placed as a bindi, or possibly in recognition of the third eye. The jewelry appears to be antique or vintage, and may have been a broach or clip-on earring in its past life -- there are concentric circles of clear gemstones, ordered from larger to smaller, though most of the gemstone cradles are empty. Atop the head a small brown bird is nesting in pine needles and pine cones, staring from orange plastic eyes that are perpetually wide and glassy. The bird seems to have been constructed with fabric and paper, and has a few brown and white feathers at its wings. The mask wears wire hoop earrings and has a red painted smile with five cowry shell teeth. The eyes are almond shaped and painted, with the pupils represented by round shiny stones. The Reece Museum is grateful to have three Bessie Harvey sculptures in the permanent collection, including Mask. Harvey (1929 - 1994) described her artistic process through the lens of her spirituality. Museum visitors have described the transformative nature of Harvey's work, recognizing her sculpture as a living cultural document that impacts both viewers and other artists. She drew from her crossroads identities and illuminated her love of humanity alongside her deeply painful lived experiences related to poverty, racism, becoming a child bride, and other events that left her carrying grief. |
Date |
1992 |
Artist |
Bessie Harvey |
Dimensions |
H-43.18 W-27.94 D-12.7 cm |
Collection |
Sammie L. Nicely Collection |
Title |
Mask |
Place of Origin |
USA |
Material |
wood, metal, found objects |
Subjects |
American Art Appalachian Art |
Other Name |
Mask |
Search Terms |
Appalachian Art |