Manifest Destiny

Alexis Rockman, Manifest Destiny, 2004, oil and acrylic on wood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment, 2011.36A-D, © 2004, Alexis Rockman
Alexis Rockman, Manifest Destiny, 2004, oil and acrylic on wood, overall: 96288 in. (243.8731.5 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment, 2011.36A-D, © 2004, Alexis Rockman

Artwork Details

Title
Manifest Destiny
Date
2004
Dimensions
overall: 96288 in. (243.8731.5 cm)
Copyright
© 2004, Alexis Rockman
Credit Line
Museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment
Mediums Description
oil and acrylic on wood
Classifications
Object Number
2011.36A-D

Artwork Description

Manifest Destiny is a post-apocalyptic vision of the Brooklyn waterfront submerged beneath elevated waters, a victim of the effects of climate change. On the left, a futuristic suspension bridge is swallowed by the East River while on the right, the historic Brooklyn Bridge stands in ruinous decay. But Rockman suggests that the end of modern civilization does not mark the end of all life on Earth. Flora and fauna flourish among the remains, confirming that life, in some form, persists even if humanity does not.

Works by this artist (6 items)

Alexis Rockman, Manifest Destiny, 2004, oil and acrylic on wood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment, 2011.36A-D, © 2004, Alexis Rockman
Manifest Destiny
Date2004
oil and acrylic on wood
On view
Alexis Rockman, Gymnorhamphichthys bogardusae, 2001, oil on wood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of William and Maria Spears, 2019.58
Gymnorhamphichthys bogardusae
Date2001
oil on wood
Not on view
Alexis Rockman, Still Life, 2009, photopolymer intaglio print, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Waqas Wajahat, 2009.46.3
Still Life
Date2009
photopolymer intaglio print
Not on view
Alexis Rockman, The Farm, 2009, photopolymer intaglio print, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Waqas Wajahat, 2009.46.2
The Farm
Date2009
photopolymer intaglio print
Not on view

More Artworks from the Collection

James F. Dicke II, Untitled #48, 2009, mixed media on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Marsha Ralls, 2010.19.1, © 2009, James F. Dicke II
Untitled #48
Date2009
mixed media on canvas
On view
Residual Series: Weak Heart, Strong Lungs
Date2018
ink, charcoal, acrylic, spray paint, enamel, oil, metal dust and pine needles on canvas
Not on view
Alexis Rockman, Gymnorhamphichthys bogardusae, 2001, oil on wood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of William and Maria Spears, 2019.58
Gymnorhamphichthys bogardusae
Date2001
oil on wood
Not on view
James F. Dicke II, Untitled #21, 2009, mixed media on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Marsha Ralls, 2010.19.2, © 2009, James F. Dicke II
Untitled #21
Date2009
mixed media on canvas
Not on view