| About ISC |
| Membership |
| News & Events |
| Sculpture Magazine |
| Sculpture Community |
| Sculptor's Portfolio |
| Artwork for Sale |
| Destinations |
| Resources |
| Store |
| FAQ |
| Home |
| Make a Contribution |
| Join Email List |
|
|
Cedarhurst Sculpture Park
Chakaia Booker
The Conversationalist
1997, Rubber tires and wood, Loan from the artist
Booker views herself as a "narrative environmental" sculptor whose work acknowledges the struggles and the victories in human aspirations and involvement. "My art focuses on social and cultural issues, on being female, and on the creative diversity of found objects which are metamorphosed into works of art. The work expresses my observations of life."
The Conversationalist is constructed of recycled tires, fitting for Booker’s environmental concerns. As objects for art, tires are versatile as well as symbolically important to the expression of Booker’s ideas. According to Booker, the designs and patterns of tires are similar to African motifs used in fabrics, body decoration, and other artworks. Metaphorically, "people begin life like newly treaded tires but as life continues experiences wear down their vitality much as the tread on tires wear smooth." As wheels, tires suggest mobility, yet the circular form also implies the notion of "going around in circles," still bound to old ideas, attitudes, or behavior.
In terms of social issues, many of Booker’s sculptures including this work, are concerned with unmet needs, such as the need for warmth and nurturing, for security and love. In The Conversationalist, the need to communicate is addressed. "When a need goes unmet, one must turn inward to satisfy the need." Hence, the delicate fanning out and twisting in of the sculpture.
Born in Newark, New Jersey, Chakaia Booker received a Bachelor’s degree in sociology from Rutgers University in 1976 and her Masters in Fine Arts from the City College of New York in 1993. Her work has been shown in Japan as well as in the United States. She currently lives and works in New York City.
Home
| About ISC | ISC
Conferences | Sculpture
Magazine
Portfolio | Exhibitions
| Libraries | Opportunities|
Discussion
Forum
 |
|||
| TERMS AND CONDITIONS |
|
||