Skip to main content

Untitled #2 (Trees and Farmhouse)

2017 (negative); 2019 (print)
Dawoud Bey (American, born 1953)

Part of a series the artist made in and around Cleveland, Ohio, this photograph contemplates the landscape navigated generations earlier by fugitives from slavery on the Underground Railroad. Cleveland was a final stop before they crossed Lake Erie to Canada and freedom.

The series title refers to the poem Dream Variations by Langston Hughes, an important touchstone for Bey’s project:

To fling my arms wideIn some place of the sun,To whirl and to danceTill the white day is done.Then rest at cool eveningBeneath a tall treeWhile night comes on gently,Dark like me— That is my dream!

To fling my arms wideIn the face of the sun,Dance! Whirl! Whirl!Till the quick day is done.Rest at pale evening . . .A tall, slim tree . . .Night coming tenderlyBlack like me.


Object Details

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.