Kultur

Copied Aaron J. Goodelman, Kultur, 1939, pearwood and found iron shackle and chain, 66 1⁄2 x 12 1⁄2 x 10 3⁄4 in. (168.8 x 31.8 x 27.3 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Sarah Goodelman, 1981.44.1, © ca. 1940, Aaron Goodelman

Artwork Details

Title
Kultur
Artist
Date
1939
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
66 1⁄2 x 12 1⁄2 x 10 3⁄4 in. (168.8 x 31.8 x 27.3 cm.)
Copyright
© ca. 1940, Aaron Goodelman
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Sarah Goodelman
Mediums
Mediums Description
pearwood and found iron shackle and chain
Classifications
Subjects
  • Allegory — civic — injustice
  • Allegory — place — Germany
  • History — Germany — World War II
Object Number
1981.44.1
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1981.44.1

Artwork Description

This work condemns the widespread lynching of African Americans in the United States as well as the racist violence in Germany leading up to World War II. It's title, Kultur, calls out the Nazi concept of cultural superiority. 
 
Aaron Goodelman made this sculpture in New York City, where he immigrated after surviving the massacre of Jews as a youth in Russia. His work was exhibited in anti-lynching exhibitions, a platform for artists of the time to express interracial solidarity in their opposition to these lawless public executions.

Label text from The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture November 8, 2024 -- September 14, 2025