Details

Title

Proud Cats Made to Climb

Artist/Maker

Thornton Dial, Sr. (American, 1928–2016)

Date

1992

Medium

Paint, metal, carpet, and rope on canvas and wood

Dimensions

64 7/8 x 65 1/8 x 6 1/2 inches

Credit

T. Marshall Hahn Collection

Accession #

1997.60

On View

Currently not on view

Thornton Dial used the tiger to create narratives about the ongoing battle to maintain dignity in a world full of oppression. The ascension of the central yellow tiger testifies to the perseverance of the individual in the face of violence, which is indicated by bursts of blood-red paint throughout the chaotic composition. As Dial’s title indicates, pride—meaning both self-respect and a group of jungle cats—is an important component of survival.

Image Copyright

© 2017 Estate of Thornton Dial/Artists Rights Society (ARS) New York

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