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Freedom

Vanessa L. German, Souvenir of Our Trip, 2013, mixed media assemblage, 65 x 20 x 20 in. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas, 2021.39. Photography by Edward C. Robison III.

Additional Resources

Blog - Women's History Month: Vanessa German

Vanessa L. German
Souvenir of Our Trip

  • What details do you see when you look at these artworks? What found objects can you identify?
  • What is this story being told by this "power figure"?

Vanessa German’s “power figures” feature a plethora of found objects purposefully attached to black dolls. While each sculpture exists as a single work, they are composed of a wide array of materials that each impart their own story—all combining to create a sculpture imbued with beauty and magic. Mixing complex historical references with playful elements, German creates an opportunity for viewers to explore and discover what she refers to as “an adventure in sight.”

  • How do the enduring struggles for progress throughout Black history connect to other social movements, historically and today?
  • What do you think the artist is trying to tell us about the historical roles of Black women in American society? How do you feel about that history?
  • What identities influence your experiences and opinions, and how might they differ from your peers? How does recognizing this intersection of identities influence your perception of why and how diversity matters in politics and policymaking?

Content Contributors

Exhibition sponsored by Kenneth C. Griffin

Learning and engagement programming for
We the People: The Radical Notion of Democracy is sponsored by:

Sarah and Ross Perot, Jr. Foundation | Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates, & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. | Johnny and Jeanie Morris, Bass Pro Shops | Alturas Foundation | Harriet and Warren Stephens, Stephens Inc. | Sotheby’s | Bob and Becky Alexander | Marybeth and Micky Mayfield | Lamar and Shari Steiger | Jeff and Sarah Teague / Citizens Bank | Arkansas Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities | Avis and Bill Bailey | Scarlett and Neff Basore | June Carter Family | Terri and Chuck Erwin | Jackye and Curtis Finch | The Harrison and Rhonda French Family | Jim and Susan von Gremp | Laurice Hachem | Shannon and Charles Holley | Valorie and Randy Lawson / Lawco Energy Group | Donna and Mack McLarty | Steve and Susan Nelson | Neal and Gina Pendergraft | Helen Porter | JT and Imelda Rose | Lee and Linda Scott | Stella Boyle Smith Trust, Catherine and Michael Mayton, Trustees | William Reese Company

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