New tapestry recounts the prophesy, history and mythology of an uprising
The First Art Newspaper on the Net    Established in 1996 Friday, December 13, 2024


New tapestry recounts the prophesy, history and mythology of an uprising
“The Grim Work of Death” by Christopher Myers. Collection of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Copyright Christopher Myers.



WASHINGTON, DC.- The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) now has on view a larger-than-life, vibrant depiction of Nat Turner’s 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 Turner’s slave rebellion. An important addition to the museum, the tapestry can be found on NMAAHC’s 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 Turner’s 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. Turner’s 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 Turner’s own description of his and his compatriots’ efforts. “Turner’s 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 Turner’s 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 rebellion’s narrative.

Myers includes the literal instruments of death—farm tools, axes, picks and hammers—as well as mythological and religious motifs in the work. Several of the figures and design elements reference Turner’s 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 NMAAHC’s 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 museum’s “Reckoning” exhibition.










Today's News

October 5, 2024

Exhibition explores the interrelation of gender, labor, and modern life in Mary Cassatt's artistic career

Rocky Morton explores the depths of human experience

Varvara Roza Galleries & The Blender Gallery unveil Manolis Anastasakos's solo exhibition

Photography project marks National Inclusion Week and celebrates the contributions made by migrants to life in the UK

San Carlo Cremona opens "Monica Bonvicini: And Rose"

MARCO's newest exhibition explores Latin American conditions through contemporary photography

The Prado exhibits a lost self-portrait by Rosario Weiss alongside portraits of the finest Spanish artists of her time

Viral Hallucinations: Orejarena & Stein's solo show debuts at Deichtorhallen

Beyond Borders: A new exhibition explores the GDR's artistic connections

Galerie Eva Presenhuber now representing Chemu Ng'ok

François Ghebaly New York presents a two-person exhibition of works by Sascha Braunig & Greg Parma Smith

Two haute couture showpieces designed by Paul Poiret and Yves Saint Laurent to be offered at Christie's

Smithsonian and NASA partner to open exhibition exploring ever-changing Earth from space and on the ground

parrasch heijnen announces the Hammer Museum has acquired Mi Cultura (1977) by Linda Vallejo

José García Torres announced as new Director of Morillo Shk. - Fine Arts Logistics

New tapestry recounts the prophesy, history and mythology of an uprising

Ana Iti wins Walters Prize 2024

An Eye Towards the Real: Photographs from the Collection of Ambassador Trevor Traina totals $3,252,564

Shimabuku's first institutional show in Spain on display at Centro Botín

Joris Van de Moortel pushes the boundaries of his spectrum with a new solo exhibition

Maureen Paley opens the third solo exhibition of works by Seb Patane at the gallery

National Historical Museum marks 130th anniversary of Tsar Boris III's birth with commemorative exhibition

The Versatility of Glass Packaging: Exploring Candle Jars and Honey Jars Wholesale

Brighten Up Your Space with the Ideal Pink Area Rug

Shine Bright in Safety: The Ultimate Guide to Ladies Hi-Vis Workwear




Museums, Exhibits, Artists, Milestones, Digital Art, Architecture, Photography,
Photographers, Special Photos, Special Reports, Featured Stories, Auctions, Art Fairs,
Anecdotes, Art Quiz, Education, Mythology, 3D Images, Last Week, .

 



Founder:
Ignacio Villarreal
(1941 - 2019)
Editor & Publisher: Jose Villarreal
Art Director: Juan José Sepúlveda Ramírez
Writer: Ofelia Zurbia Betancourt

Attorneys
Truck Accident Attorneys
Accident Attorneys
Houston Dentist
Abogado de accidentes
สล็อต
สล็อตเว็บตรง
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Royalville Communications, Inc
produces:

ignaciovillarreal.org juncodelavega.com facundocabral-elfinal.org
Founder's Site. Hommage
to a Mexican poet.
Hommage
       

The First Art Newspaper on the Net. The Best Versions Of Ave Maria Song Junco de la Vega Site Ignacio Villarreal Site Parroquia Natividad del Señor
Tell a Friend
Dear User, please complete the form below in order to recommend the Artdaily newsletter to someone you know.
Please complete all fields marked *.
Sending Mail
Sending Successful