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In Case of Race Riot II

Theaster Gates

Contemporary Art

Part of a series that features lengths of decommissioned fire hoses, In Case of Race Riot II alludes to the Civil Rights Movement and, in particular, the use of high-pressure water hoses against peaceful African American demonstrators in Birmingham, Alabama, in May 1963. However, the wording of the title raises the possibility of future use of the fire hose, questioning any complacent acceptance of the success of this tumultuous era of American history and pointing to the ongoing struggles for African Americans’ civil rights.
MEDIUM Wood, paint, plastic, metal, adhesive
DATES 2011
DIMENSIONS 33 1/2 × 26 5/8 × 6 in. (85.1 × 67.6 × 15.2 cm)  (show scale)
COLLECTIONS Contemporary Art
ACCESSION NUMBER 2011.9
CREDIT LINE Purchase gift of Jill and Jay Bernstein
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
CAPTION Theaster Gates (American, born 1973). In Case of Race Riot II, 2011. Wood, paint, plastic, metal, adhesive, 33 1/2 × 26 5/8 × 6 in. (85.1 × 67.6 × 15.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchase gift of Jill and Jay Bernstein, 2011.9. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2011.9_PS9.jpg)
IMAGE overall, 2011.9_PS9.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2015
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RIGHTS STATEMENT ©Theaster Gates
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Theaster Gates (American, born 1973). <em>In Case of Race Riot II</em>, 2011. Wood, paint, plastic, metal, adhesive, 33 1/2 × 26 5/8 × 6 in. (85.1 × 67.6 × 15.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchase gift of Jill and Jay Bernstein, 2011.9. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2011.9_PS9.jpg)