"God me such uses send, not to pick bad from bad, but by bad mend" [realia].
Items
Details
Title
"God me such uses send, not to pick bad from bad, but by bad mend" [realia].
Produced
[New York], [2024]
Description
1 item ; 64" x 60" x 8"
Associated name
Note
This is a PRELIMINARY RECORD. It may contain incorrect information. Please email catalog@folger.edu for assistance.
Mirror of black Murano glass.
Title provided by the artist.
Artist's statement: "My love of Shakespeare's "OTHELLO" mirrors my love of glass. It has been a font of creative ideas for my art. Having lived in Venice during the year of planning for my Venice Biennale exhibition in the American Pavilion in 2003, the historic environment bloomed before me and led me to the subject of Othello: the greatest Black Venetian general that never lived. For the Folger I have created an artwork that absorbs its environment as much as it mirrors it. The painting of Queen Elizabeth 1 and the mirror, to my mind, reflect the relationship between the Royal and the Writer. It is something that we know nothing about, except that through the works, it was mutually enjoyed. I chose the line "God me such uses send, Not to pick bad from bad, but by bad mend" as the title of the artwork because, to my mind it could be thought of as Elizabeth's own rubric for life, considering the environment she grew up in- specifically the horrific events of her immediate family. In addition, it could be considered a balm for the young black thespian Ira Aldridge in Manhattan, who would not let the racism of the time stop him from pursuing his chosen career and the respect and honor he deserved. I view the mirror as Shakespeare himself: larger than life, deeply profound, and giving every person who views his work much more than he, Shakespeare, could have ever gotten." -- Fred Wilson
"Fred Wilson challenges assumptions of history, culture, race, and conventions of display with his work. By reframing objects and cultural symbols, he alters traditional interpretations, encouraging viewers to reconsider social and historical narratives."
Mirror of black Murano glass.
Title provided by the artist.
Artist's statement: "My love of Shakespeare's "OTHELLO" mirrors my love of glass. It has been a font of creative ideas for my art. Having lived in Venice during the year of planning for my Venice Biennale exhibition in the American Pavilion in 2003, the historic environment bloomed before me and led me to the subject of Othello: the greatest Black Venetian general that never lived. For the Folger I have created an artwork that absorbs its environment as much as it mirrors it. The painting of Queen Elizabeth 1 and the mirror, to my mind, reflect the relationship between the Royal and the Writer. It is something that we know nothing about, except that through the works, it was mutually enjoyed. I chose the line "God me such uses send, Not to pick bad from bad, but by bad mend" as the title of the artwork because, to my mind it could be thought of as Elizabeth's own rubric for life, considering the environment she grew up in- specifically the horrific events of her immediate family. In addition, it could be considered a balm for the young black thespian Ira Aldridge in Manhattan, who would not let the racism of the time stop him from pursuing his chosen career and the respect and honor he deserved. I view the mirror as Shakespeare himself: larger than life, deeply profound, and giving every person who views his work much more than he, Shakespeare, could have ever gotten." -- Fred Wilson
"Fred Wilson challenges assumptions of history, culture, race, and conventions of display with his work. By reframing objects and cultural symbols, he alters traditional interpretations, encouraging viewers to reconsider social and historical narratives."
Item Details
Call number
272862
Folger-specific note
Ordered from Fred Wilson.
Folger accession
272862