Explorer

Explorer

2013
Artist
Rose Simpson, Santa Clara, American, b. 1983
Born: Santa Fe, NM
Work Locations: Espanola, NM
Culture
Santa Clara
Object
sculpture
Medium
clay and mixed media
Accession Number
2014.223
Credit Line
Gift from Vicki and Kent Logan to the Collection of the Denver Art Museum

Rose Simpson (Santa Clara), Explorer, 2013. Clay and mixed media; 38 x 22 x 37 in. Denver Art Museum: Gift from Vicki and Kent Logan, 2014.223. © Rose B. Simpson

Dimensions
height: 38 in, 96.5200 cm; width: 22 in, 55.8800 cm; depth: 37 in, 93.9800 cm
Department
Native Arts
Collection
Indigenous Arts of North America
This object is currently on view

This is one in a group of three works by Rose Simpson to explore the idea of being open for the world to see and then transitioning into a state of freedom after shedding the need to feel protected. In Warrior, Simpson makes tangible the “energies” she uses to deal with life’s challenges and attaches them to the exterior of the human forms. These “tools” are not weapons or physical armor, but rather energy that she controls. In Explorer Simpson begins to cross a threshold as she sheds layers of the guarded self. As the tools and past self fall away, the figure begins to emerge free and confident. Nurturer shows a transformation to a much less-guarded form. Simpson adds softer elements to the figure to illustrate an increased level of self-acceptance.

Known Provenance
Purchased by Vicki and Kent Logan from the artist, 2013; gifted to Denver Art Museum, 2014.
Exhibition History
  • "Sovereign: Independent Voices"—Denver Art Museum, 9/15/2013-8/16/2015

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