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The Four Seasons

1990
(American, 1924–2001)
America, 20th century
lithograph printed in black and brown
Support: Arches Cover white wove paper
Image: 57.2 x 78.8 cm (22 1/2 x 31 in.); Sheet: 63 x 86.8 cm (24 13/16 x 34 3/16 in.)
John L. Severance Fund 2003.33
© John T. Biggers Estate / Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY, Estate Represented by Michael Rosenfeld Gallery
Edition: 76; 3 artist's proofs; 2 Hand Graphics Impressions
Location: not on view
This artwork is known to be under copyright.

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Description

Because of the African origins of the "shotgun house"-a narrow, rectangular house popularized in the southern United States-Biggers used it as a symbol of continuity within African American culture. In this piece, he weaves the repetitive architecture of the shotgun house with quilt patterns. The pervasive porches foster communal life and neighborhood connectivity. In his vision, humans, animals, and tools alike take on universal meanings: iron pots stand in for the womb, while train tracks recall the Underground Railroad, as well as the ongoing divide between neighborhoods.
The Four Seasons

The Four Seasons

1990

John Biggers

(American, 1924–2001)
America, 20th century

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