Kara Walker: The Emancipation Approximation

May 26, 2017 - August 26, 2017
Icon Ticket Overlay Buy Tickets

About

Kara Walker: The Emancipation Approximation


The Emancipation Approximation by Kara Walker, a suite of twenty-seven silkscreen prints and a gift from Brent Sikkema for the museum’s 10th anniversary, features the provocative silhouettes for which Walker is known. An allegory of the aftermath of the Civil War, the suite addresses the harsh realities of slavery and its continuing effect on American society and racial identity.

Walker’s first large scale silhouette mural, completed in 1994, established her as an important and divisive figure in contemporary art. Critics considered her portrayal of racial stereotypes and the subject of slavery as a perpetuation of negative black images. Though often the subject of public scrutiny, her work is an engaging provocation for all viewers to consider race, identity and personal perception. 

While Kara Walker uses a traditional craft medium, the silhouette, to present contemporary social commentary, the black dolls from the Collection of Deborah Neff represent a craft tradition that also, in its own way, speaks to the history of race relations in the United States.

On view May 27-August 27, 2017

Sponsored by 





Companion Event
Thursday, June 29
5:30 pm Social Hour 
7 pm Artist Talks


Kara Walker, American, b.1969, The Emancipation Approximation (Scene 5), 1999-2000, silkscreen print on paper, gift of Brent Sikkema, 2015.2

Past Exhibitions

ART & MORE
Orientation Gallery
Img 5005 1
Img 4901 2
LOCATION
FIGGE ART MUSEUM

225 West Second Street
Davenport, Iowa

 

PHONE

Museum | 563.326.7804

Events Office | 563.345.6657

 

MUSEUM HOURS

Monday | Closed

Tuesday - Wednesday | 10am - 5pm

Thursday | 10am - 8pm

Friday - Saturday | 10am - 5pm

Sunday | 12pm - 5pm

*Closing procedures will begin 15 minutes before closing time

 

FIGGE BAR HOURS

Monday - Wednesday Closed

Thursday 5pm - 8pm

Friday - Sunday Closed

*The Figge Bar is open every Thursday evening 5-8 p.m. and every Second Saturday of the month from 1-3 p.m.

*See calendar for holiday exceptions