Coke Covers the World

Otesia Harper, Coke Covers the World, 1992, appliqued and stitched fabric, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr., 1992.38
Otesia Harper, Coke Covers the World, 1992, appliqued and stitched fabric, 8174 14 in. (205.7188.6 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr., 1992.38

Artwork Details

Title
Coke Covers the World
Date
1992
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
8174 14 in. (205.7188.6 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr.
Mediums
Mediums Description
appliqued and stitched fabric
Classifications
Subjects
  • Object — foodstuff — beverage
Object Number
1992.38

Artwork Description

Like many folk artists, Otesia Harper learned her craft from an older family member—in this case, her grandmother. Her skill at quilting is artfully exercised in sewing letters and faces on each coke bottle. Although not overtly patriotic, her bold use of color emphasizes the global presence of an American icon. The word "covers" also playfully alludes to the function of her quilt.

Exhibition Label, Smithsonian American Art Museum, 2006

Works by this artist (1 item)

Otesia Harper, Coke Covers the World, 1992, appliqued and stitched fabric, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr., 1992.38
Coke Covers the World
Date1992
appliqued and stitched fabric
Not on view

More Artworks from the Collection

Sue Pierce, Dinner at Aunt Tilly's, 1993, machine-pieced, appliqued, and quilted cotton and cotton-blend fabrics with polyester batting, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mary L. Pierce, 1999.59
Dinner at Aunt Tilly’s
Date1993
machine-pieced, appliqued, and quilted cotton and cotton-blend fabrics with polyester batting
Not on view
Pamela Studstill, Quilt #86, 1989, cotton and fabric paint, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Barbara and Robert Paterson Hunter, Jr., 2010.40
Quilt #86
Date1989
cotton and fabric paint
Not on view
Judith (Wilbour Nelson) Minzel, Clarion Call, 1978, wool, cotton, and aniline dyes, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Sally S. Evans in memory of Robert E. Evans, Marietta, OH, 2010.41
Clarion Call
Date1978
wool, cotton, and aniline dyes
Not on view
Evelyn Derr or MBK, Sampler Block Quilt, 1905, cotton, cotton thread, and wool, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr., 1989.30.4
Sampler Block Quilt
Artist
Date1905
cotton, cotton thread, and wool
Not on view