Recitation No. 5

Artist Dorsey, Marie Yoho (born 1965)

Date2022

MediumEtching, hand sewing on Rives BFK paper

Dimensionssheet: 18 1/2 x 16 in. (47 x 40.6 cm)
frame: 23 1/2 x 19 1/4 x 1 1/4 in. (59.7 x 48.9 x 3.2 cm)

ClassificationsART, 2-DIMENSIONAL

Credit LineMuseum Purchase with the Rockwell Ambassadors

Object number2023.7.2

DescriptionThin lines and bold shapes, created using sharp tools and acid baths to scratch and eat into the surface of the copper plate, are rhythmically placed on a pale yellow background. The etched imagery is related to Egyptian funerary spells from the Book of the Dead, a series of ancient Egyptian ritual spells that helped the deceased find their way to the afterlife. On top of the etching, threads are sewn into unique sewing patterns through the paper. The thread used in these hand-sewn elements is recycled kimono thread. The hand embroidery is inspired by the practice of "shasiko", the Japanese process of mending used to extend the life of everyday fabrics. Dots and dashes in pencil mark, where stitches were planned have been erased but some traces still remain. Pinprick holes in the paper indicate abandoned stitching patterns that were not filled by thread.

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