Holding and BreakingLorna Simpson · 1992

  • Creation date1992
  • Dimensions188.0 x 51.0 cm
  • MuseumNasher Museum of Art at Duke University

Lorna Simpson (1960 –)

Lorna Simpson is a groundbreaking American photographer & multimedia artist exploring identity, gender, race & history through photo-text installations, film & sculpture. First African-American woman at the Venice Biennale (1990).

Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University (Durham, United States of America)

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In this photograph, Lorna Simpson uses sequential images to tell a story. The first shows, from behind, the upper torso of an ambiguously gendered Black subject. The second shows a glass held in the figure’s hands, and the third shows the glass shattered on the floor below, with the words “an agreement” in bright green. From its original form to its broken state, the glass can be understood to represent the contract of an agreement that has not been honored. Simpson’s use of photographs in conjunction with text explores the ways in which context can affect meaning as well as the role of photography in society.

About this artwork

  • Title: Holding and Breaking
  • Artist: Lorna Simpson
  • Year: 1992
  • Original dimensions: 188.0 x 51.0 cm
  • Format: Tall
  • Copyright status: Under copyright
  • Where to see it: Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University
  • Color palette: Neutrals
  • Perceived brightness: brilliant

Questions & Answers

How old was Lorna Simpson when creating "Holding and Breaking" in 1992?

Lorna Simpson was 32 years old when creating "Holding and Breaking" in 1992. The age is computed from the artist's birth year, 1960.

What luminance does "Holding and Breaking" by Lorna Simpson have?

The luminance recorded for "Holding and Breaking" by Lorna Simpson is bright balance.

What color intensity does "Holding and Breaking" by Lorna Simpson have?

The color intensity of "Holding and Breaking" is monochromatic. Intensity describes how strong the colors appear.

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