Vanessa German
Stop Crying Already, 2012
Medium/Presentation: Mixed Media Assemblage Sculpture
Big Idea/Subject: Power
Major Theme: Race
Visual Components: Balance, color, form, variety, unity
Category: Fine Arts
Description/Interpretation:
This artwork is a mixed media assemblage sculpture by artist Vanessa German. It stands about 43” or about 3 ½ feet tall, and is made of a collection of found objects that are full of symbolism. To see the sculpture in person would most likely have a stronger impact on viewing it, as size is relative to how emphasized the meaning is in a piece. This one has a main figure that is a dark painted face, with three smaller white sculpture heads adorning the hair. The sculpture is reminiscent of Byzantine style sculpture, or Black Madonna figures. The piece also pays homage to African protection figures with its use of cowry shells for the lips. The figure is holding a bird in one hand, and from that same hand an alligator is suspended by a red thread. The figure is also covered in various items, what appear to be metal keys and key chains of different objects, most of which are red. A large round sign sits behind the head of the figure, reminiscent of a religious halo. It has the title painted on it “Stop Crying Already.” In the middle at the very top are a small mirror and a shaving cream brush. Centered on the figure is a small item, that is a tin box that was used to store extra light bulbs in the 1950’s. It reads “Keep this kit filled with Westinghouse Mazda Lamps.” The figure is perched on what appears to be some kind of US military statue and then beneath that is some sort of wind up propeller toy with a wooden toy elephant sitting on its nose. Beneath that is a vintage shoe shining stand.
Without being able to see this in person, it is hard to effectively research every piece in the sculpture, because I feel that everything was chosen with meaning and hold some significance to the artist in conveying her message.The presence of the black face statue sets the tone of the piece, suggesting it is a social commentary on the African American experience in this country.It is reminiscent of a holy figure statue, as if the lifestyle she is conveying is being revered and worshipped, ironically using discarded materials and not materials of high quality, as most religious sculptures are made from. The title of the piece, which is echoed in the piece itself in the sign, suggests that the artist wanted to possibly convey strength or taking back power for her people by reclaiming items that were considered distasteful or symbols of African American culture in the 20th century. It also tells a narrative about her experience with these cultural symbols.I am not sure the meaning behind the animals in the piece, nor the significance of the bulb box, however they most likely speak to the same themes throughout the sculpture.
Use in Teaching:
This piece can be used to critically examine the history of African American culture and oppression throughout times and into the 20th and even 21st century. The use of symbols that were once popular but then seen as racist and distasteful is a way to get students to face the ugly side of history and culture and not just forget about it or sweep it under the rug. Reclaiming these icons and using them as a way to write a new narrative and/or reclaim power can teach children that there are many different ways to view things and many different stories that make up our country. A great lesson would be to have students create their own narrative sculptures using found or discarded objects that speak to their own histories or identities.
Discussion Questions:
How was this piece created?
Why do you think the artist chose to use discarded materials?
How would you interpret the individual pieces of the sculpture?
How do you think this piece is critically examining history?
What do you think the significance is of the written text on the sculpture?
What formal elements contribute to the feeling or meaning of this sculpture?