Shape of Things (female)

Carrie Mae Weems

1993, printed 2000 · Gelatin silver print · Photographs

During her first visit to Africa in 1993, Weems made this elegant architectural study in Djenné, Mali—one of the oldest sub-Saharan cities. The artist was particularly struck by the gendered appearance of the ancient buildings there, such as this granary facade that suggests to her the female form.

Artist

Carrie Mae Weems

Date

1993, printed 2000

Medium

Gelatin silver print

Department

Photographs

Credit line

Purchase, The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation Gift, through Joyce and Robert Menschel, 2000