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This work of art was especially relevant in an era when African Americans were pushing for hard-won rights that had supposedly been secured through civil rights legislation in 1964 but had not yet become a reality in 1969. Medium This mixed media work, like others from a series of graphic works by Hammons, stretches the definition of traditional printmaking and sculpture. Instead of transferring images from a printing press or wood or linoleum blocks onto paper, Hammons frequently uses his own body to print on paper or board, or on some other flat surface. This entails greasing his own body with heavy oil, like motor oil, and pressing it against a surface to create an image. The result is a very real, emotionally stirring work, with a very direct message.
This work of art was especially relevant in an era when African Americans were pushing for hard-won rights that had supposedly been secured through civil rights legislation in 1964 but had not yet become a reality in 1969. Medium This mixed media work, like others from a series of graphic works by Hammons, stretches the definition of traditional printmaking and sculpture. Instead of transferring images from a printing press or wood or linoleum blocks onto paper, Hammons frequently uses his own body to print on paper or board, or on some other flat surface. This entails greasing his own body with heavy oil, like motor oil, and pressing it against a surface to create an image. The result is a very real, emotionally stirring work, with a very direct message.
Each group should record its findings and report to the entire class. . How else might you make a handprint on a window or other surface. What did the artist do to make this door look different from most doors we see. If you saw this in a room of a museum, would you walk over to it.
Each group should record its findings and report to the entire class. . How else might you make a handprint on a window or other surface. What did the artist do to make this door look different from most doors we see. If you saw this in a room of a museum, would you walk over to it.

further information: http://www.artnet.com/Magazine/Frontpage.asp?N=1

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