American Monuments I, Carrie Mae Weems

Artwork Overview

born 1953
American Monuments I, 2015–2016
Where object was made: United States
Material/technique: inkjet print
Dimensions:
Image Dimensions Height/Width (Height x Width): 76.2 x 76.2 cm
Image Dimensions Height/Width (Height x Width): 30 x 30 in
Sheet/Paper Dimensions (Height x Width): 114.3 x 88.9 cm
Sheet/Paper Dimensions (Height x Width): 45 x 35 in
Frame Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth): 46 3/8 x 36 3/8 x 2 1/2 in
Weight (Weight): 35 lbs
Credit line: Museum purchase: Helen Foresman Spencer Art Acquisition Fund
Accession number: 2021.0003
On display: Simons Gallery

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Images

Label texts

The two prominent figures of Carrie Mae Weems and Thomas Jefferson mirror each other in this dramatic standoff surrounded by columns. Weems’s stance reclaims access to her history stolen by a man hailed as a founding father. Her work effortlessly captures moments defining the Black experience in America. As an observer of this moment, what is accessible from your viewpoint? Which side of history are you on?

Exhibitions

Spencer Museum of Art Interns 2021–2022, curator
2022
Susan Earle, curator
2025