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Nari Ward
Obama Can

2017

About the Item

Edition of 25. Nari Ward is known for re-contextualizing found/discarded objects in juxtapositions that create complex and metaphorical meanings that highlight cultural values or offer social critique. He intentionally leaves the meaning of his work open, allowing the viewer to bring their own position to the work and provide their own interpretation. Here, Ward presents a tin can opened from the bottom and covered in black stencil ink. This work was inspired by a video that the artist came across on the Internet of a person finding a can that had been vigorously pried open from the bottom, instead of by using the easy pull tab on the lid. Ward related this action to political gridlock, a metaphor for the Obama presidency, and also the idea of meeting obstacles with a "can-do" attitude. Although Ward often deals with heavy, political issues throughout his work, he takes an optimistic attitude, rather than perpetuate negativity.
  • Creator:
    Nari Ward (1963, American, Jamaican)
  • Creation Year:
    2017
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 22 in (55.88 cm)
  • More Editions & Sizes:
    Edition of 25Price: $1,500
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    New York, NY
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: LM258171stDibs: LU944312618742
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