Items Similar to 'Bound for the Promised Land' - quilt - Negro Spiritual - figurative textile
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 8
Wendell George Brown'Bound for the Promised Land' - quilt - Negro Spiritual - figurative textile2008
2008
$100,000
£76,027.54
€87,738.67
CA$139,973.17
A$156,732.59
CHF 81,775.24
MX$1,909,671.54
NOK 1,037,669.46
SEK 986,547.37
DKK 654,911.40
Shipping
Retrieving quote...The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation
About the Item
Columbia, South Carolina-based artist, Wendell George Brown creates quilts that explore the traditions of African American quilt-making and Negro Spirituals. After finding a hymnal book that belonged to his maternal grandmother, “Everlasting Life is Free,” he sang the words aloud, “I was surprisingly comforted. Transfixed on the rhythmical vibration of the sound, I visualized each word; pieced, bound, and stitched together as a cover protecting a mournful soul.”
This epiphany allowed Wendell to see the synergy between quilts and Negro Spirituals, and to examine how the two mediums served as a source of protection for generations of enslaved and free Black people through the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. His work embraces the folk art genre, because folk art’s “outsider” status often serves to recognize the voice of the voiceless. “My goal is to make sense of Social-cultural issues,” says Wendell. “I hope all viewers see themselves in my work, and our shared desire to be heard, recognized, and treated with human dignity.”
As an educator at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta in the early 90s, he became enamored with a soft-sculpture installation on view by American artist Faith Ringgold titled "Wake and Resurrection of the Bicentennial Negro.” Later as Ringgold's assistant in New York, he began experimenting with the quilt, black fabric, and iconography as a source to investigate the African American "Veil of Double Consciousness," a subject explored by scholar W.E.B. Du Bois in a book of collected essays titled “The Souls of Black Folk.”
Inspired by traditional African art, the figures in his early quilted works did not have feet. In traditional African sculpture, this symbolized staying in one place to learn a lesson. Once you gained knowledge, you grew feet to move forward on the journey. In many ways, his work reflects his life lessons and of the artists that Wendell has met, worked with, and studied - especially John Biggers, Elizabeth Catlet, and William H. Johnson.
A Virginia native, Wendell George Brown is an Associate Professor of Art and Director of the Henry Ponder Gallery at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. In addition, Brown currently serves as a Commissioner at the Columbia Museum of Art, and has served as Assistant Director of the Boyden Gallery at St. Mary's College of Maryland and Director of Museum Education at Hampton University in Virginia.
About the Seller
5.0
Vetted Professional Seller
Every seller passes strict standards for authenticity and reliability
Established in 2003
1stDibs seller since 2015
134 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 19 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Atlanta, GA
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View All'The Joyous Farewell into the Future' - quilt - Negro Spirituals - figures
Located in Atlanta, GA
Columbia, South Carolina-based artist, Wendell George Brown creates quilts that explore the traditions of African American quilt-making and Negro Spirit...
Category
2010s Folk Art Mixed Media
Materials
Fabric, Acrylic
'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' - quilt - Negro Spirituals - figurative textile
Located in Atlanta, GA
Columbia, South Carolina-based artist, Wendell George Brown creates quilts that explore the traditions of African American quilt-making and Negro Spirit...
Category
2010s Folk Art Mixed Media
Materials
Fabric, Acrylic
Mother's First Cousin Returning Home to Georgia After Visiting Us for a Week
Located in Atlanta, GA
Columbia, South Carolina-based artist, Wendell George Brown creates quilts that explore the traditions of African American quilt-making and Negro Spirit...
Category
2010s Folk Art Mixed Media
Materials
Fabric, Acrylic
"Oryza Sativa, Flax Variegated" - portrait, Black Ancestry, embroidery
Located in Atlanta, GA
This archival pigment print on linen with embroidery and gold paper collage featuring hues of brown, yellow and orange.
Tokie Rome-Taylor is inspired by the works of Harmonia Rosales...
Category
2010s Contemporary Portrait Photography
Materials
Linen, Thread, Archival Pigment
'Undercurrents: Support' - figurative - black & white - cut paper - Kara Walker
Located in Atlanta, GA
'Undercurrents: Struggle' is a black and white figurative work made of cut paper.
Jerushia Graham is inspired by the works of Elizabeth Catlett, Kerry James Marshall, John Biggers, Leo & Diane Dillon...
Category
2010s Contemporary Mixed Media
Materials
Archival Paper
'Looking out' - contemporary fiber art, texture, pattern, abstract, tufting
By Trish Andersen
Located in Atlanta, GA
This abstract tufted work features hues of yellow, blue, red, and green.
Trish Andersen is inspired by the work of Shelia Hicks, Cy Twombly, Judith Scott and Nick Cave.
Savannah-ba...
Category
2010s Abstract Mixed Media
Materials
Wool, Yarn
You May Also Like
19th Century Hand Stitched American Silk Quilt
Located in Barrington, IL
Celebrate the brilliance of American folk art with this exquisite hand-stitched silk quilt from the late 19th century. Crafted with exceptional skill and care, this quilt features an ultra-modern aesthetic that echoes the iconic “piece bars” style popularized by 19th-century Mennonite quilters in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Each rectangular silk piece—measuring approximately 1” x 5”—was individually cut and stitched by hand, creating a striking geometric design that feels both timeless and avant-garde. The rich array of vibrant silk fabrics shimmers with life, making this quilt a true visual feast and a testament to the maker’s artistry and dedication.
More than a textile, this quilt is a labor of love—an heirloom-quality work of art that bridges function and beauty. Due to the delicate nature of 19th-century silk, such quilts have become increasingly rare and highly collectible. Their fragility only adds to their mystique and historical value.
Perfect as a wall tapestry, this handcrafted quilt is equally captivating whether displayed vertically or horizontally. It’s a powerful conversation piece and a beautiful window into America’s rich quilting heritage.
Dimensions: 60” x 78”
Date of Manufacture: 4th Quarter of 19th Century
Place of Origin: United States
Material: Silk Fabric
Condition: Wear consistent with age and use
The Persian Knot, SKU: 2268
Antique Mennonite Quilts, Pennsylvania Mennonite Quilts, American Applique Quilts, Vintage Pennsylvania Quilts, Antique Applique Quilts...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century American Quilts
Materials
Fabric, Silk
An American Civil War Era African American Southern Quilt From the Deep South
Located in Barrington, IL
This extraordinary hand-stitched quilt, dating to the American Civil War era (circa 1860–1870), originates from the deep South—likely Alabama or Georgia—and stands as a powerful example of African American folk artistry during one of the most pivotal periods in American history.
Crafted from wool and homespun blankets, the quilt features a striking design of diagonally pieced squares composed of repurposed clothing in shades of navy, brown, red, and gray. These textiles are believed to be remnants of garments worn during the Civil War, transformed through necessity and creativity into a work of enduring beauty and cultural significance. The back of the quilt is made from a bold red and gray striped textile, adding a distinctive visual contrast.
Quilts like this—made by African Americans in the Reconstruction-era South—are exceedingly rare and deeply meaningful. They embody both resilience and resourcefulness, and serve as powerful expressions of heritage, survival, and artistic identity.
This particular quilt comes from the collection of a Civil Rights attorney who has spent decades practicing in Alabama and Georgia, with a devoted interest in preserving African American folk art from the Civil War era. Its provenance adds another layer of depth and historical significance.
Highly collectible and increasingly sought after, 19th-century African American Southern quilts are not only valuable artifacts—they are irreplaceable cultural legacies.
Dimensions: 63” x 73”
Date of Manufacture: 3rd Quarter of the 1800s
Place of Origin: Alabama, United States
Material: Cotton, wool
Condition: Good
The Persian Knot, SKU 1982
African American Quilts...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century American Quilts
Materials
Wool, Cotton
"Tribal Cloth, Ewe Ghana, " Multicolored Cotton Textile created circa 1965
Located in Milwaukee, WI
The Ewe people from Ghana are master weavers. People of means commission cloths called adanudo ("skilled/wise cloths"). Ewe adanudo textiles often display a tweed effect by twisting ...
Category
1960s Folk Art More Art
Materials
Cotton
Monumental Micro Triangular Cut Feed Sack Folk Art Quilt Mounted on Canvas
Located in Buchanan, MI
Monumental micro triangular cut feed sack Folk Art quilt mounted on canvas. All hand stitched, amazing details. Perfect for great room with high ceilings. ...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Folk Art Quilts
Materials
Fabric
1885 Kentucky Crazy Quilt
Located in Louisville, KY
This 1895 folk art crazy quilt out of Kentucky is an absolute work of art. The selection of bright and unique fabrics of that era are combined in random stained glass fashion. Stunni...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century American Folk Art Quilts
Materials
Fabric
Graphic Antique Tied Quilt
Located in New York, NY
Graphic 19th century American tied quilt in very fine, original condition.
Unusual construction includes densely tied surface, piecework is handstitched, e...
Category
Antique 19th Century American Country Quilts
Materials
Fabric
