Coma Belt Buckle

David LaPlantz, Coma Belt Buckle, 1980, stainless steel, iron, and nickel silver, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1982.12.1
Copied David LaPlantz, Coma Belt Buckle, 1980, stainless steel, iron, and nickel silver, 4 in. (10.2 cm) wide, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1982.12.1

Artwork Details

Title
Coma Belt Buckle
Date
1980
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
4 in. (10.2 cm) wide
Credit Line
Gift of the artist
Mediums Description
stainless steel, iron, and nickel silver
Classifications
Object Number
1982.12.1

Artwork Description

David LaPlantz describes his working state as being between dreams and reality. He often expresses fears and paranoia in his work, and this belt buckle was named for the movie Coma, in which healthy patients at a hospital mysteriously slip into comas after simple operations. LaPlantz’s wife, Shereen, was a basketmaker, weaver, and book artist, who made belts to go with the belt buckles he crafted.