...she loved animals said she wanted to take care of them when she grew up... (...when they grow up...)
Artist
Ebony Patterson
(Jamaican-born, active in the United States, born 1981)
Date2017
MediumHand-cut jacquard woven photo tapestry with beads, appliques, broaches, glitter, trim, fabric flowers, unicorn heads, fabric wallpaper, and candy
Dimensions8 × 8.75 ft. (243.8 × 266.7 cm)
ClassificationsContemporary art
Credit LineMuseum purchase with funds provided by Rebecca and Mark Dreyfus, Penny and Peter Meredith, Meredith and Brother Rutter, Christina Goode, Susan and David Goode, Oriana McKinnon, Dee and Harry Lester, Suzanne and Vince Mastracco, and Claus Ihlemann and Robert Roman
Object number2020.1
DescriptionA circular woven and embellished tapestry, tacked to a wall over a background of pink polka-dot fabic. Included on the wall are two three-dimensional unicorn heads; directly under the tapestry on the floor is 20-30 pounds of individually-wrapped candy pieces. To create the tapestry, the artist held a photoshoot with individuals and had their images printed onto a jacquard woven tapestry through Walmart. She then modified the tapestry by cutting holes, sewing on ribbons and tassels, and adding jewelry and glitter. The tapestry is heavily reinforced with clear glue to maintain its shape. The candy is replacable and is not original to the first installation. In the imagery, Patterson subtly memorializes the death of innocents who were killed in her birthplace of Kingston, Jamaica, as well as her current home in Chicago. The tapestry's holes signify gunshots.
