Justice
Nari Ward, We the People (black version), 2015, shoelaces, 96 in. x 27 ft. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas, 2016.26. Photography by Edward C. Robison III.
Nari Ward
We the People
- What power do words hold? How do words help create narrative in works of visual art?
- How do objects tell stories? What stories do you think these discarded shoelaces could tell about the people who wore them?
Nari Ward is known for his sculptures made from found materials discovered in and around New York City. The hanging multicolored shoelaces nearly obscure the words, “We the People,” encouraging viewers to stop, study, and decipher the text. Ward asks us to reconsider the phrase. Has its meaning changed? Who are “the people”? How do these words apply to our society today?
- How do individual people and nations form their identities? How do we define “American identity” today?
- Who are the "people" in "We the people"? How do you feel about what it means to be part of “We the People”? How might these words be perceived by people immigrating from other countries?
- What is the relationship between justice and citizenship? What does it mean to be a US citizen?
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
