Rodney King's Head Was Squashed Like a Watermelon

Currently not on view

Rodney King's Head Was Squashed Like a Watermelon

1991

Joyce J. Scott (American, born 1948)

African American artist Joyce Scott is famous for her innovative use of the traditional techniques of beadwork. The jewelry and larger sculptures that she makes draw upon contemporary issues for their subject matter.

The title refers to Rodney King, who, in a video-taped arrest, was beaten by Los Angeles police in 1991, inciting days of rioting in that city.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Rodney King's Head Was Squashed Like a Watermelon

Date:

1991

Artist:

Joyce J. Scott (American, born 1948)

Medium:

Beads, thread

Dimensions:

5 1/2 × 12 1/2 × 9 inches (14 × 31.8 × 22.9 cm)

Classification:

Fiber Art

Credit Line:

Purchased with funds contributed by The Women’s Committee and the Craft Show Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1995

Accession Number:

1995-81-3

Geography:

Made in United States, North and Central America

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Currently not on view