Haitian Mermaid # 2

Michael Cummings, Haitian Mermaid # 2, 1996, machine pieced, quilted, and appliquéd commercial and hand-dyed cotton, synthetic and antique fabrics, found objects, sequins, and beads, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Dorothy Dent Goodson, 2002.59
Copied Michael Cummings, Haitian Mermaid # 2, 1996, machine pieced, quilted, and appliquéd commercial and hand-dyed cotton, synthetic and antique fabrics, found objects, sequins, and beads, 76 × 78 14 × 1 18 in. (193.0 × 198.8 × 2.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Dorothy Dent Goodson, 2002.59

Artwork Details

Title
Haitian Mermaid # 2
Date
1996
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
76 × 78 14 × 1 18 in. (193.0 × 198.8 × 2.9 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Dorothy Dent Goodson
Mediums Description
machine pieced, quilted, and appliquéd commercial and hand-dyed cotton, synthetic and antique fabrics, found objects, sequins, and beads
Classifications
Keywords
  • Abstract
  • Animal — bird
  • Animal — fish
  • Waterscape — sea
  • Haitian
  • Fantasy — mermaid
  • Object — flower
Object Number
2002.59

Artwork Description

This quilt is one in a series of four inspired by a mermaid from Haitian mythology. The mermaid protects the people of the island when they go into the water, and takes on the form of a woman on land. Michael Cummings has used the images of the parrot and fish to represent the mythological creature’s power over both land and sea. Haitian Mermaid #2 employs a wide variety of materials, including hand-dyed and antique fabrics, and Cummings has combined bright colors with dark tones of blue and black to suggest a tranquil night scene.