Shinique Smith (American, born 1971). <em>Mitumba Deity</em>, 2005. Fabric, clothing, twine and cardboard, 48 x 50 in. (121.9 x 127 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Contemporary Art Council, 2009.25. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Image courtesy of Yvon Lambert Gallery, CUR.2009.25.jpg)

Shinique Smith (American, born 1971). Mitumba Deity, 2005. Fabric, clothing, twine and cardboard, 48 x 50 in. (121.9 x 127 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Contemporary Art Council, 2009.25. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Image courtesy of Yvon Lambert Gallery, CUR.2009.25.jpg)

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What kind of materials are used in this piece?

That is actually a newly installed work by Shinique Smith. Forgive me if you already read the label, but it is made of bundles of fabric, stuffed toys, and articles of clothing as well as twine and cardboard. It even includes some of the artist's own clothes, and clothes of her friends. She was inspired by a film that tracks a T-shirt with a university logo from a thrift shop in New York to a mountain village in Africa, where it is purchased by a man and becomes his second shirt-her piece really comments on the global economy through the path of second hand clothing. Mitumba is a Swahili word that literally means “bundles” and refers to the packages and articles of used clothing donated by people in prosperous countries to charitable causes. Mitumba Deity is from Smith’s series of bundle sculptures.

I'm looking at a pile of clothes with a vaguely feminine form. What makes these found object arrangements museum quality?

Thoughtful question. With this work, as with many, many contemporary works that utilize found objects and materials, it is really the intent and the idea of the artist that makes them of interest to collectors and museums.

The artist, Shinique Smith, was inspired by a film that tracks a T-shirt with a university logo from a thrift shop in New York to a mountain village in Africa, where it is purchased by a man and becomes his second shirt. Her piece really comments on the global economy through the path of second hand clothing. The title "Mitumba" is a Swahili word that literally means “bundles” and refers to the packages and articles of used clothing donated by people in prosperous countries to charitable causes. Smith has a series of sculptures like this.

Ok, I see that. Is the Santa Claus an original part of it?

Yes, her bundles include fabric scraps, clothing and toys and it was a complete piece when it was gifted to the Museum in 2009.

Thanks!

You're welcome!

Mitumba Deity

Shinique Smith

Contemporary Art

Sitting directly on the floor, like a Minimalist sculpture, Mitumba Deity consists of lumpy bundles of fabric, stuffed toys, and articles of clothing. Composed of Smith’s own garments and those of friends, the piece alludes to the global economy through the path of secondhand clothing. The piece was inspired by a film that tracks a T-shirt with a university logo from a thrift shop in New York to a mountain village in Africa, where it is purchased by a man and becomes his second shirt. Mitumba is a Swahili word that literally means “bundles” and refers to the packages and articles of used clothing donated by people in prosperous countries to charitable causes. Mitumba Deity is from Smith’s series of bundle sculptures.

ARTIST Shinique Smith, American, born 1971

MEDIUM Fabric, clothing, twine and cardboard

DATES 2005

DIMENSIONS 48 x 50 in. (121.9 x 127 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Contemporary Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 2009.25

CREDIT LINE Gift of the Contemporary Art Council

EXHIBITIONS

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view

CAPTION Shinique Smith (American, born 1971). Mitumba Deity, 2005. Fabric, clothing, twine and cardboard, 48 x 50 in. (121.9 x 127 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Contemporary Art Council, 2009.25. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Image courtesy of Yvon Lambert Gallery, CUR.2009.25.jpg)

IMAGE installation, CUR.2009.25.jpg. Image courtesy of Yvon Lambert Gallery

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