The Arch of Martha, Mama Kitty, and Chula, 2018
Triumphal arches have been used by countless cultures across the centuries to commemorate significant individuals or events. An arch is but one way to represent these events, although monuments and memorials may also take the form of public statues or figures. In The United States, there are an estimated 5,100 public statues representing historical figures, yet only 394 of these works represent women. The Arch of Martha, Mama Kitty, and Chula subvert the traditionally ‘masculine’ form of the arch to honor the powerful women in my life. The patterns and shapes decorating the arch are taken from objects given to me by my mother, grandmother, and great aunt. The arch is a monument to the women who have all had a significant impact on my life and perception of myself.
