Man Playing Drums

Steve Ashby, Man Playing Drums, 1973, incised, painted and assembled wood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak, 1982.114.5
Copied Steve Ashby, Man Playing Drums, 1973, incised, painted and assembled wood, 12 124 123 18 in. (31.711.47.9 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak, 1982.114.5

Artwork Details

Title
Man Playing Drums
Artist
Date
1973
Dimensions
12 124 123 18 in. (31.711.47.9 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak
Mediums
Mediums Description
incised, painted and assembled wood
Classifications
Keywords
  • African American
  • Performing arts — music — drum
  • Figure male — full length
  • Object — musical instrument — drum
Object Number
1982.114.5

Artwork Description

It may have been loneliness and newfound free time that drove Steve Ashby, a retired widower, to populate his property with colorful sculptures cut from plywood, painted, and embellished with found objects and personal items. Ashby favored expressiveness over realism, and characters such as Man Playing Drums reflect his preference for lively, colorful moments that evoke the uniquely human sounds of music and laughter.