Nari Ward's New Museum Retrospective Explores Black Experience Through Found Objects and Cosmograms
The New Museum will host Nari Ward's retrospective titled "We the People" from February 13 to May 26, 2019, showcasing a diverse array of assemblage, sculpture, painting, video, and installation spread over three floors. The artist, based in Brooklyn, critiques issues of capitalism, poverty, and race through found objects sourced from Harlem. His reinterpretation of common items reflects his personal experiences and Jamaican folk traditions. A significant feature is the Bakongo cosmogram, an African spiritual emblem, prominently displayed in large copper panel artworks. Historically, this symbol provided sanctuary for escaped slaves at the First African Baptist Church during the Underground Railroad. Additionally, Ward's installation "Amazing Grace" (1992-93) includes baby strollers bound with fire hoses, reminiscent of Civil Rights demonstrations, while the exhibition explores themes of justice, crime, care, and economics.
Key facts
- Nari Ward's retrospective "We the People" ran from February 13 to May 26, 2019, at the New Museum in New York City.
- The exhibition occupies three floors and includes assemblage, sculpture, painting, video, and installation.
- Ward uses found objects from New York streets, particularly Harlem, to critique capitalism, poverty, and race.
- Key works feature the Bakongo cosmogram, an African spiritual symbol, in paintings on copper panels.
- The cosmogram relates to the Underground Railroad, used as breathing holes for escaped slaves in Savannah, Georgia.
- "Amazing Grace" is an installation from Ward's 1992-93 residency, featuring baby strollers and fire hoses with gospel music.
- Other works include a wounded lion, shopping cart monuments, and remains of "Tropical Fantasy" beverage.
- Ward's work connects to his life in Harlem, social sculpture, and Jamaican folk traditions, exploring citizenship themes.
Entities
Artists
- Nari Ward
- Niv Acosta
- Zachary Fabri
- Jodie Lyn-Kee-Chow
- Adrian Piper
- Jean-Michel Basquiat
- Robert Farris Thompson
Institutions
- New Museum
- Lehmann Maupin
- Hunter College
- Studio Museum in Harlem
- First African Baptist Church
- Catholic Church
- Klu Klux Klan
- artcritical
Locations
- New York City
- Brooklyn
- Harlem
- Lower East Side
- Jamaica
- Savannah
- Georgia
- United States
- Congo