White Coffee Maker

Margarita Cabrera, White Coffee Maker, 2011, vinyl, copper wire and thread, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment, 2012.35.2A-D, © 2011, Margarita Cabrera
Copied Margarita Cabrera, White Coffee Maker, 2011, vinyl, copper wire and thread, 12 348 3410 12 in. (32.522.326.7 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment, 2012.35.2A-D, © 2011, Margarita Cabrera

Artwork Details

Title
White Coffee Maker
Date
2011
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
12 348 3410 12 in. (32.522.326.7 cm)
Copyright
© 2011, Margarita Cabrera
Credit Line
Museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment
Mediums Description
vinyl, copper wire and thread
Classifications
Keywords
  • Object — other — appliance
Object Number
2012.35.2A-D

Artwork Description

Margarita Cabrera’s faux-leather appliances are reminders that many household electronics are made in factories in Mexico. The obvious craft process of sewing—emphasized by the exposed threads—symbolically makes visible the exploited human labor involved with mass production. Cabrera, who was born in Mexico and lives in Arizona, relates the sagging vinyl forms to the underpaid workers who help provide basic comforts in American homes.


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