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In Honor

A vibrant assemblage of velvet and upholstery by Thornton Dial Jr. creates a mask-like landscape honoring Gee's Bend quilters in this 2002 masterpiece, inviting you to explore the depth of American Southern heritage.

Thornton Dial Jr.: Bold assemblage artist tackling social & political issues through monumental works. Exploring race, history & nature – see his powerful art.

Giclée / Art Print

Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. (Buy Hand Made Painting Buy Hand Made PaintingSwitch to Digital Image Switch to Digital Image)

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Total Price

$ 63

reproduction

In Honor

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 63

Quick Facts

  • Artist: Thornton Dial, Jr.
  • Artistic style: Contemporary assemblage
  • Medium: Fabric, paper, paint, velvet, carpet
  • Year: 2002
  • Title: In Honor
  • Influences: Gee's Bend quilt makers

A Tapestry of Memory and Resilience

In the profound and textured landscape of contemporary American assemblage, few works resonate with as much communal warmth and historical weight as Thornton Dial, Jr.’s In Honor. Created in 2002, this monumental masterpiece serves as a vibrant, multi-layered tribute to the women of Gee’s Bend, Alabama—a small, rural enclave that has become legendary for its profound quilting traditions. The artwork is not merely a painting but a physical manifestation of heritage, where the boundaries between fine art and folk tradition dissolve into a singular, breathtaking vision. Through a masterful use of color and material, Dial transforms a collection of disparate elements into a soulful memorial, inviting the viewer to witness the enduring spirit of a community that has etched its identity into the very fabric of American history.

The technique employed in In Honor is nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing Dial’s unparalleled ability to manipulate found materials to evoke deep emotional responses. The composition is an intricate assemblage, utilizing a spray-painted patchwork of soft velvet and flowered upholstery that creates a rhythmic, tactile surface. This layering of fabric gives the work a sculptural depth, where the eye wanders through a landscape of textures. As one observes the piece closely, the artist’s use of red and yellow hues creates an eye-catching visual energy, while the inclusion of green carpet at the base forms a literal "grass" line. This clever use of non-traditional media allows the work to function as both a portrait and a topographical map, where the blue glimmers of sky suggest a vast, open horizon above the textured terrain of the town itself.

Symbolism and the Soul of the South

Beyond its striking visual presence, In Honor is steeped in profound symbolism. The "mask-like" faces that emerge from the fabric patterns serve as poignant memorials to the esteemed women of Gee’s Bend. These faces are not individual portraits in a traditional sense, but rather collective spirits—archetypes of strength, resilience, and ancestral wisdom. By integrating upholstery and velvet, Dial pays homage to the domestic artistry of these women, elevating the medium of quilting to the realm of high-concept fine art. The artwork acts as a bridge between the private, intimate world of the home and the public, monumental stage of contemporary art history, ensuring that the legacies of these quilters are etched into the permanent record of human achievement.

For the discerning collector or interior designer, In Honor offers an unparalleled opportunity to possess a piece of profound narrative power. A high-quality reproduction of this work brings more than just vibrant color and complex texture into a space; it introduces a conversation about identity, history, and the beauty found in the overlooked. The sheer scale of the original—spanning 185 x 274 cm—demands attention, making it a commanding centerpiece for any gallery or sophisticated residential setting. To display such a work is to celebrate the triumph of the human spirit and to surround oneself with an art form that is as much about the heartbeat of a community as it is about the mastery of the artist's hand.


Artist Biography

biography and artistic style

thornton dial, jr., a contemporary african-american painter, sculptor, and assemblage artist, was born in 1952 in the united states. he is the eldest son of prolific modern artist thornton dial sr. and has established himself as a significant figure in american art with his bold, evocative political and social commentary.

artistic style and themes

thornton dial jr.'s work is characterized by its use of found materials, often executed on a monumental scale. his subjects range from human rights to natural disasters and current events, reflecting his engagement with the world around him. this approach has led to his works being widely held in american museums, including the metropolitan museum of art, which acquired ten of his works in 2014.

notable works and exhibitions

* strange fruit: channel 42 (251 x 198 cm, souls grown deep, atlanta, united states, assemblage) - a powerful piece depicting a modern-day lynching, utilizing a television antenna as a symbol of the persistence of racial violence. * high and wide (carrying the rats to the man) (193 x 340 cm, souls grown deep, atlanta, united states, assemblage) - a haunting scene of entrapment, recalling the horrors of the african slave trade. * featured in the whitney biennial (2000) and the hard truths exhibition at the indianapolis museum of art (2011), which marked a significant shift in the perception of his work, positioning him as a bonafide contemporary artist.

recognition and legacy

* recognized by art historian and cultural critic joanne cubbs for his first-rate, powerful art. * featured in the wall street journal as one of the best museum shows of 2011, alongside luminaries like degas, picasso, kandinsky, and willem de kooning. thornton dial, jr.'s work continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, offering a powerful commentary on the human experience.
thornton dial, jr.

thornton dial, jr.

1952 - , United States of America

Quick Facts

  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Assemblage Sculpture
  • Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Pop Art']
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['Thornton Dial Sr.']
  • Date Of Birth: 1952
  • Full Name: Thornton Dial Jr.
  • Nationality: American
  • Notable Artworks:
    • Strange Fruit
    • High and Wide
    • Memory of the Ladies That Gave Us The Good Life
  • Place Of Birth: Bessemer, United States
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