Photograph by Ed Pollard, Hasselblad H4D50 - 2020.

Untitled (Grandassa Models, Merton Simpson Gallery)

Artist Kwame Brathwaite (American, 1938 - 2023)

Dateca. 1967, printed 2017

MediumArchival pigment print

DimensionsOverall, Image: 15 × 15 in. (38.1 × 38.1 cm)
Overall, Frame: 17 × 17 in. (43.2 × 43.2 cm)

ClassificationsPhotography

Credit LineGift of Philip Martin and Portia Hein

Object number2019.34.2

On View

Not on view

DescriptionThis image shows three women dressed in seemingly West African garb against a white wall, surrounded by African art objects. The women all have different dress on and face towards the viewer. The first, standing to the left wears a long sleeve, patterned dress with head wrap. The middle figure is taller, also wearing a head wrap, though her outfit is a sleeveless, scooped tunic and matching long, wrapped skirt. The last figure on the right wears no head covering, she shows her natural hair in an afro. She also wears a matching top and full skirt, thought the top is wrapped and knotted over one of her shoulders.

There are three objects flanking the women. On the left is a large piece of cut wood in a V shape. There are two extended nodules on the middle of the wood piece. Above that is a two-toned facial mask. There are holes for the eyes and mouth and a lighter color for just the eye line and upper lip. On the right side is a wooden free-standing figure. An abstracted male figure stands on the ground, with a metal bar extended from his head to another animal-like mask. The upper mask is in profile facing the women, so it is difficult to discern the details.
Label TextKwame Brathwaite American, 1938-2023 Untitled (Grandassa Models, Merton Simpson Gallery), ca. 1967, printed 2017 Archival pigment print, edition 5 of 10 This composed image depicts three models who are wearing Afrocentric garb and surrounded by West and Central African objects. Kwame Brathwaite captured this photograph at the former gallery of African American artist, collector, and dealer Merton Simpson (1928–2013). Brathwaite often photographed African American models wearing similar garb or in front of backgrounds like this one to promote pride for the ancestral heritage throughout the African continent. Gift of Philip Martin and Portia Hein 2019.34.2