WASHINGTON, DC.- The Smithsonians National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) now has on view a larger-than-life, vibrant depiction of Nat Turners slave rebellion by artist Christopher Myers. The tapestry, titled The Grim Work of Death, is a monumental artwork and visual journey containing 32 feet worth of history and mythology surrounding Turners slave rebellion. An important addition to the museum, the tapestry can be found on NMAAHCs Concourse Level Sept. 24. For more information about this artwork, visit the Searchable Museum.
Art has a way of bringing history to life in riveting ways, said Kevin Young, the Andrew W. Mellon Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The Grim Work of Death, a 2022 tapestry by Christopher Myers, is stunning in its power to create a visual journey into the complex life and legacy of Nat Turner.
Turner was an enslaved man who believed that he was called by God to deliver his people from slavery. Through preaching, Turner empowered fellow enslaved African Americans to revolt, and Turners Rebellion officially began Aug. 21, 1831. The rebellion resulted in the deaths of more than 50 people in Southampton County, Virginia, before a militia force stopped it. Afterward, Turner remained free for six weeks before he was caught by authorities and sentenced to be hanged. Turners rebellion is considered to be one of the most successful uprisings against slavery in the United States. It inspired a chain reaction of similar revolts throughout the region.
Myers, a contemporary artist from Brooklyn, New York, took the name of the artwork from Turners own description of his and his compatriots efforts. Turners life is indicative of the crossroads and intersections all of us inhabit
.I offer this portrait of a man caught in the whirlwind of history, in a confluence of ideas and concepts, as are we all, Myers said.
In 2022, Myers commemorated Turners life and legacy by creating this tapestry, which combines historical investigation with mythological storytelling. The engaging and stunning tapestry is composed of a multitude of colorful fabrics, many of which are handsewn. In his bold, complex style, Myers stitches together various aspects of the rebellions narrative.
Myers includes the literal instruments of deathfarm tools, axes, picks and hammersas well as mythological and religious motifs in the work. Several of the figures and design elements reference Turners prophetic visions that inspired his rebellion. Throughout the tapestry, viewers may spot epic battle scenes between Black and white figures, a pale face crying tears of blood, a mouth of an African American sewn shut and more.
This new work joins NMAAHCs vast collection of culturally engaging objects. It enhances ongoing efforts to reimagine African American history and freedom, as currently seen in its permanent exhibitions and the museums Reckoning exhibition.