Obsession

Ronna Neuenschwander, Obsession, 1998, painted and sawdust-fired earthenware with terra sigillata, cut and formed tin, and teeth, 16 ¹⁄₂ x 15 x 13 ¹⁄₂ in. (41.9 x 38.1 x 34.3 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Howard Kottler Endowment for Ceramic Art, 1998.136

Artwork Details

Title: Obsession
Artist: Ronna Neuenschwander
Date: 1998
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum
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Luce Foundation Center
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4th Floor
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52B
Dimensions: 16 ¹⁄₂ x 15 x 13 ¹⁄₂ in. (41.9 x 38.1 x 34.3 cm)
Credit Line: Museum purchase through the Howard Kottler Endowment for Ceramic Art
Mediums: tin
earthenware
bone
Mediums Description: painted and sawdust-fired earthenware with terra sigillata, cut and formed tin, and teeth
Classifications: Decorative Arts
Subjects: African American
Figure male — full length
State of being — illness — insanity
Object Number: 1998.136
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1998.136

Artwork Description

Ronna Neuenschwander’s sculptures of the human figure tell the stories of the people of Mali. In Obsession, a man is biting into his wrist while stretching away from his other hand, which is withered and small. This obvious reference to hunger contrasts with the garish collage of food labels that make up the figure’s outfit. In this way, the artist calls attention to the abundance that Westerners take for granted.