identity theft: unlocked
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Assemblage: Deconstructed aṣọ òkè Ghanian cotton garment, iron, steel and brass keys (cut and blanks), oak wood, acrylic paint, embroidery thread, iron chain, locks, wood beads, leather
H 48” x W 48” x D 3”
(2017)
H 48” x W 48” x D 3”
(2017)
Symbols and Symbolism
Dates: 1867 – 2017 Alabama State University 150th year anniversary
Deconstructed Cotton Garment known as “Fugu” (Foo-Goo): Also known as Batakari or an African “smock”; this hand woven cotton garment from Ghana, connects Africa to America. Ghana, a nation on the west coast of Africa devastated by the slave trade. Incidentally, cotton was a primary crop associated with slave labor.
9 Keys Around Collar: Marion Nine (A.S.U. founders)
150 Total Keys (includes 9): Alabama State University’s 150th year anniversary
Keys: Freedom, Knowledge, Access; opening and closing power
Skeleton Keys (blanks and cut): Access to more than one lock, Ancestors
Locks: Exclusion, Imprisonment, Security
Inscriptions on Locks - American Symbolisms: US, American, Eagle, MADE IN U.S.A.
Old Gold and Black Thread: Alabama State University’s school colors
Chain: Restraint, Imprisonment, Bondage
Broken Chain: Freedom, Liberation, Expression, Individualism
Oak Wood: Strength, Endurance, Wisdom. One of many woods used to construct slave ships as well as early schools and school furniture. The oak board was part of a southern courthouse record room table used to hold record books, which held recordings of property documents, including chattel slave records.
These symbols and symbolisms are only a few of the many incorporated in this artwork. The viewer may find additional or different meanings based upon their history and individual experiences they bring to this work of art.
Dates: 1867 – 2017 Alabama State University 150th year anniversary
Deconstructed Cotton Garment known as “Fugu” (Foo-Goo): Also known as Batakari or an African “smock”; this hand woven cotton garment from Ghana, connects Africa to America. Ghana, a nation on the west coast of Africa devastated by the slave trade. Incidentally, cotton was a primary crop associated with slave labor.
9 Keys Around Collar: Marion Nine (A.S.U. founders)
150 Total Keys (includes 9): Alabama State University’s 150th year anniversary
Keys: Freedom, Knowledge, Access; opening and closing power
Skeleton Keys (blanks and cut): Access to more than one lock, Ancestors
Locks: Exclusion, Imprisonment, Security
Inscriptions on Locks - American Symbolisms: US, American, Eagle, MADE IN U.S.A.
Old Gold and Black Thread: Alabama State University’s school colors
Chain: Restraint, Imprisonment, Bondage
Broken Chain: Freedom, Liberation, Expression, Individualism
Oak Wood: Strength, Endurance, Wisdom. One of many woods used to construct slave ships as well as early schools and school furniture. The oak board was part of a southern courthouse record room table used to hold record books, which held recordings of property documents, including chattel slave records.
These symbols and symbolisms are only a few of the many incorporated in this artwork. The viewer may find additional or different meanings based upon their history and individual experiences they bring to this work of art.
