In Caribbean popular culture, plantains can signify maligned African ancestry, masculinity, and national sovereignty. Luciano observed that for Latino youth this icon functioned as a badge of pride that announces their cultural roots. His bejeweled object – which houses a decomposed plantain within – visualizes how symbols change through migration. By fashioning an object that looks like extravagant hip-hop jewelry, Luciano also calls attention to how Latinos continue to play a role in creating this thriving popular culture.
Our America: The Latino Presence in American Art, 2013
Our America: The Latino Presence in American Art, 2013
- Title
-
Pure Plantainum
- Artist
- Date
- 2006
- Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- approx. 12 x 3 x 3 in. (30.5 x 7.6 x 7.6 cm)
- Copyright
-
© 2006, Miguel Luciano
- Credit Line
-
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment
- Mediums
- Mediums Description
- green plantain plated in platinum and velvet
- Classifications
- Keywords
-
- Object – fruit – plantain
- Object Number
-
2012.50A-B
- Palette
- Linked Open Data
- Linked Open Data URI
