Name/Title
Mastectomy PatientEntry/Object ID
2019.1.8Description
Vernacular artist, Archie Byron, creates his sculptures through a process that includes root sculpting, drawing, and painting using a mix of sawdust and glue. This mixture forms a thick paste that is then applied slowly in many layers; each layer having to dry in between. This piece portrays a nude female figure with one breast removed. She lays surrounded by a halo of white, green, and pink. Much of Byron's work is inspired by religious or political themes along with a mixture of his Native American, African American, and European heritages. Today his works are featured at Atlanta's Folk Art Park, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the High Museum of Art.Artwork Details
Medium
Board, sawdust, paint, glueCollection
Southern Vernacular Art CollectionAcquisition
Accession
2019.1Source or Donor
Hill, Lou & CaynneAcquisition Method
DonationMade/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Byron, ArchieRole
ArtistDate made
1987Dimensions
Height
26-1/2 inWidth
16-1/2 inInterpretative Labels
Label
Archie Bryon (1928-2005)
Archie Byron was from Atlanta, Georgia, and lived in one of its poorest districts. After serving in the Navy, working as a bricklayer, working for the sheriff's department and owning several private businesses, Bryon owned a gun shop where inspiration struck him to begin creating art. He first began assembling sculptures from tree roots, and in 1977 he created his own sculptural medium from sawdust and glue. Bryon also served as a city-councilman in Atlanta for 9 years. For the last 15 years of his life, the artist worked exclusively on his art, creating almost life-size figures from his sawdust medium, and using his art to comment on various social and political subjects.Created By
admin@catalogit.appCreate Date
January 22, 2019