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
Copied Otesia Harper, Coke Covers the World, 1992, appliqued and stitched fabric, 81 x 74 1⁄4 in. (205.7 x 188.6 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr., 1992.38

Artwork Details

Title
Coke Covers the World
Artist
Date
1992
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
81 x 74 1⁄4 in. (205.7 x 188.6 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
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/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