Man Playing Drums

Steve Ashby, Man Playing Drums, 1973, incised, painted and assembled wood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak, 1982.114.5
Steve Ashby, Man Playing Drums, 1973, incised, painted and assembled wood, 12 1⁄2 x 4 1⁄2 x 3 1⁄8 in. (31.7 x 11.4 x 7.9 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak, 1982.114.5

Artwork Details

Title
Man Playing Drums
Artist
Date
1973
Location
Dimensions
12 1⁄2 x 4 1⁄2 x 3 1⁄8 in. (31.7 x 11.4 x 7.9 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Chuck and Jan Rosenak
Mediums
Mediums Description
incised, painted and assembled wood
Classifications
Subjects
  • Object — musical instrument — drum
  • Figure male — full length
  • Performing arts — music — drum
  • African American
Object Number
1982.114.5
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1982.114.5

Artwork Description

It may have been loneliness and newfound free time that drove Steve Ashby, a retired widower, to populate his property with colorful sculptures cut from plywood, painted, and embellished with found objects and personal items. Ashby favored expressiveness over realism, and characters such as Man Playing Drums reflect his preference for lively, colorful moments that evoke the uniquely human sounds of music and laughter.

Works by this artist (1 item)

James I. Meyer, George Washington Belt Buckle, 1974, sterling silver, 14k gold, and ruby, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1975.158
George Washington Belt Buckle
Artist
Date1974
sterling silver, 14k gold, and ruby
Not on view

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Artist
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