Corn Rose
Modern and Contemporary Art

Corn Rose
Artwork Details
Artist/Maker
Robert Colescott
American, 1925–2009
American, 1925–2009
Date
1990
Medium
Acrylic on canvas
Accession #
1990.19
Dimensions
84 x 72 inches
Location
On View - Wieland Pavilion, Skyway, Gallery 417
Description
Robert Colescott worked to expose racial stereotypes and the biased socioeconomics of contemporary culture. According to the artist, Corn Rose is about the American promise of plenty and prosperity that goes unfulfilled for many. The title is multi-layered, referring to the history of American agriculture, which was long supported by slave labor; the traditional African American hairstyle; and the notion of archetypal beauty as indicated by the American Beauty rose. Colescott includes an image of George Washington assembling his powdered wig from ears of corn as a reminder that the United States’ first president was himself a slave owner.
Credit
Purchase with funds from the National Endowment for the Arts and Edith G. and Philip A. RhodesImage Copyright
© Robert Colescott