Label TextPetah Coyne’s work explores the various symbolic implications of hair. In literature, mythology, and religious texts from around the world, hair represents everything from strength and sexuality to life and death. The hair in Ariyoshi is a dramatic force, springing from a small standing figure that it almost completely engulfs. Ariyoshi is made of horse hair that has been treated and dyed, and a damaged Madonna obtained from a retailer of religious goods. The presence of the Madonna lends a strong sense of Catholic iconography to the work. Coyne has suggested that the gray tones in the hair and the figure’s modest pose refers to vows made by nuns as brides of Christ. The title stems from Coyne’s interest in Japanese literature and culture. One specific influence is Higashi Hongangi temple in Kyoto
Dimensionsdimensions variable
Accession Number 2002.6
Classificationssculpture
ProvenanceArtist. (Gallery Lelong, New York); Des Moines Art Center [purchased from the previous, 2002]
Images (2)
