Portrait of Resilience, from the Flag Series
Object Details
- Exhibition Label
- Portrait of Resilience pieces together materials and symbols from the past and present to create a portrait of a Black American woman in this current moment. Sharon Kerry-Harlan depicts a girl with a youthful bubble braid. Each bubble is haloed with the crownlike appearance of a COVID-19 particle. The blouse is constructed of an antique patchwork quilt, adorned with a 2020 golden necklace made with faux leather. Her lips and nose are made of a commercial cotton American flag, and the bows accenting her braid are made of African kente cloth.
- Reflecting on current events—including the effects of the pandemic—that have affirmed structures of racism in American society, Kerry-Harlan writes, “despite these dire situations, resilience remains among African Americans and their allies to realize a better future.” The artist’s process, quilting, inspires a way forward rooted in generational togetherness, empowering the young girl with the strength of the community. The stitches carry the stories of pain, but they also mend and bring comfort.
- This Present Moment: Crafting a Better World, 2022
- Credit Line
- Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Kenneth R. Trapp Acquisition Fund
- Copyright
- © 2021, Sharon Kerry-Harlan
- Data Source
- Smithsonian American Art Museum
- Date
- 2020
- Object number
- 2021.35
- Artist
- Sharon Kerry-Harlan, born Miami, FL 1951
- Restrictions & Rights
- Usage conditions apply
- Type
- Decorative Arts-Fiber
- Crafts
- Medium
- dye discharge fabric, antique quilt fabric, vinyl, flag fabric, and African print fabric
- Dimensions
- overall: 86 1/2 × 73 1/2 in. (219.7 × 186.7 cm)
- See more items in
- Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
- Department
- Renwick Gallery
- Topic
- African American
- Occupation\other\reformer
- Record ID
- saam_2021.35
