Object Details
Artist
Beatrice Wood, born San Francisco, CA 1893-died Ojai, CA 1998
Luce Center Label
Beatrice Wood began to create sculptures like this woman in the early 1970s, calling them “sophisticated primitives.” She intended for these sculptures to appear humorous, and used them to reflect her feelings about society, human behavior, and gender relationships. The woman, presumably a prostitute, happily sits on a chair wearing an oversized hat and a strapless dress that reveals her slip at the bottom. Wood often said that she would make figural sculptures such as Perpetual Motion in order to take a refreshing break from making pots.
Luce Object Quote
“I make naughty figures to laugh and comment on this funny world in which we are caught.” Beatrice Wood, quoted in the exhibition catalogue for Intimate Appeal: The Figurative Art of Beatrice Wood, 1989
Credit Line
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of George C. Zachary in memory of Devlin Mario Archie
Copyright
© 1970, Radha R. Sloss, Conservator for Beatrice Wood
Date
ca. 1970
Object number
1994.104
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Decorative Arts-Ceramic
Crafts
Medium
glazed earthenware
Dimensions
19 1/4 x 13 1/2 x 14 3/4 in. (49.0 x 34.3 x 37.5 cm)
See more items in
Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
Department
Renwick Gallery
On View
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 4th Floor, 53B
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 4th Floor
Data Source
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Topic
Dress\accessory\hat
Figure female\full length
Object\furniture\chair
Link to Original Record
Record ID
saam_1994.104