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Shape of Things (female)

1993, printed 2000
Not on view
During her first visit to Africa in 1993, Weems made this elegant architectural study in Djenné, Mali—one of the oldest sub-Saharan cities. The artist was particularly struck by the gendered appearance of the ancient buildings there, such as this granary facade that suggests to her the female form.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Shape of Things (female)
  • Artist: Carrie Mae Weems (American, born 1953)
  • Date: 1993, printed 2000
  • Medium: Gelatin silver print
  • Dimensions: 71.1 x 71.8cm (28 x 28 1/4in.)
    Frame: 72.4 × 72.4 cm (28 1/2 × 28 1/2 in.)
  • Classification: Photographs
  • Credit Line: Purchase, The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation Gift, through Joyce and Robert Menschel, 2000
  • Object Number: 2000.267
  • Rights and Reproduction: © Carrie Mae Weems
  • Curatorial Department: Photographs

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