Collection
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Contemporary Art

Annunciation

Kiki Smith

1 of 3

Object Label

Kiki Smith’s Annunciation continues the artist’s long exploration of monumental sculptures of women that examine both the physical and psychological aspects of the body within a feminist context. The figure, with its suit and bald head, is gender-neutral. Its oversize head, delicate features, and dangling feet convey a sense of vulnerability, while its upraised eyes and outstretched arm suggest engagement in a rich inner life. Drawing upon her Catholic upbringing, Smith uses the Annunciation—the angel Gabriel’s revelation to the Virgin Mary that she will conceive Jesus—as a metaphor for the moment of creative inspiration.

Caption

Kiki Smith (American, born Germany, 1954). Annunciation, 2008. Cast aluminum, wood, 61 1/2 x 32 x 19 in. (156.2 x 81.3 x 48.3 cm) Chair: 19 3/4 x 19 3/4 x 13 3/4 in. (50.2 x 50.2 x 34.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased with funds given by John and Barbara Vogelstein, Alan and Leslie Beller, Constance and Henry Christensen III, Nikola Duravcevic and Dana Ben-Ari, Stephanie and Tim Ingrassia, Leslie and David Puth, Elizabeth A. Sackler, John S. Tamagni, Barbara and Bill Wynne and Designated Purchase Fund, 2011.78a-b. © Kiki Smith, courtesy of Pace Gallery. (Photo: Photography by Kerry Ryan McFate, courtesy The Pace Gallery)

Gallery

Not on view

Title

Annunciation

Date

2008

Medium

Cast aluminum, wood

Classification

Sculpture

Dimensions

61 1/2 x 32 x 19 in. (156.2 x 81.3 x 48.3 cm) Chair: 19 3/4 x 19 3/4 x 13 3/4 in. (50.2 x 50.2 x 34.9 cm)

Credit Line

Purchased with funds given by John and Barbara Vogelstein, Alan and Leslie Beller, Constance and Henry Christensen III, Nikola Duravcevic and Dana Ben-Ari, Stephanie and Tim Ingrassia, Leslie and David Puth, Elizabeth A. Sackler, John S. Tamagni, Barbara and Bill Wynne and Designated Purchase Fund

Accession Number

2011.78a-b

Rights

© Kiki Smith, courtesy of Pace Gallery

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Artists and makers

Kiki Smith

32 works in the collection