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Arthur Jafa

Monster

Information about the artwork

  • Year1988/2019
  • MaterialGelatin silver print mounted to aluminum
  • Dimensions169.7 x 120.7 cm
  • Year of acquisition2019
  • Inventory numberUAB 1233
  • On viewCurrently not exhibited
  • Copyright© Arthur Jafa. Photo: Haydar Koyupinar, Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen, Munich

More about the artwork

Like many of Jafa’s works, his memorable self-portrait “Monster” also represents an examination of racism in the USA. Through the title, he marks the Black subject as primitive, fear-inducing, monstrous – a deep-seated stereotype that still influences people’s perceptions and actions to this day. One way of getting away from these stereotypes is empowering oneself by creating one’s own image. Jafa takes the way he wants to be seen into his own hands, literally. This is also reflected in his self-assured gaze straight into the camera.

Further artworks

Artwork: "Untitled (Lexington)" from Cy Twombly
Cy Twombly Untitled (Lexington), 2001 yes Upper floor
Artwork: "Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité" from Sigmar Polke
Sigmar Polke Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité, 1988 yes Ground floor
Artwork: "Lepanto VI" from Cy Twombly
Cy Twombly Lepanto VI, 2001 yes Upper floor
Artwork: "On hold" from Monika Baer
Monika Baer On hold, 2015 yes Ground floor
Artwork: "Studio (with Bacchus Painting) (Gaeta)" from Cy Twombly
Cy Twombly Studio (with Bacchus Painting) (Gaeta), 2003 yes Upper floor