On View
On viewObject number2020.39
Conceived In A Seamstress' Garden
Artist
Jeff Sonhouse
(American, 1968-)
Date2020
Mediumacrylic and collage on canvas with metal wire
Dimensionscanvas: 50 × 43 in. (127 × 109.2 cm)
Credit LineDavid and Muriel Gregg Fund
Exhibition History"Unveiling American Genius," KIA Permanent Collection Exhibition, Traditional, Markin, Nay and Groos Galleries (March 1, 2021 - December 31, 2023).
"EXPO Chicago 2023" Chicago, Navy Pier (April 11 - 14, 2023).
Label Texteff Sonhouse, who has exhibited nationally and internationally and has been awarded many notable awards, created this painting for the KIA. Sonhouse used paint to define the men’s hair texture to express their virility. He used gold wire to create a series linked gold chains, referring to their popularity among young Black men during the 1980s and 1990s—a period of the artist’s own coming-of-age. He masks each man, recalling ski masks that provide warmth and anonymity, but which are sometimes used to stereotype Black masculinity.
The men appear to be twins, but Sonhouse’s paintings often represent the inner tensions associated with having a public and private persona as part of one's individual identity, and also establishing an individual identity within a larger collective or group identity. The checkered suits evoke an Akan folktale character Ananse, the Trickster. In this instance, Sonhouse presents two men connected by a web of gold, representing how intelligence and perhaps, collaboration can overcome life's challenges. Conceived In A Seamstress’ Garden becomes a powerful reflection on the various influences of Black culture, asserts the multi-faceted nature of black male identity, and speaks profoundly to the human experience.
