Proud Cats Made to Climb
Thornton Dial, Sr.
American, 1928–2016

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
Location
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