Archival pigment print on Hosho paper mounted on canvas, 2008. 1680x1680 mm; 66x66 inches. Signed, dated, titled and inscribed "With Vare Elementary School, Philadelphia, PA" in felt-tip pen and ink, verso.
Provenance: Pentimenti Gallery, Philadelphia; private collection, New York; Wright, Chicago, September 30, 2020, lot 295; private collection, New York.
Exhibited: "paperpatterncolorculture," Pentimenti Gallery, Philadelphia, September 4- October 17, 2009.
Published: Emily Warner, "paperpatterncolorculture," Brooklyn Rail, November 2009 (illustrated).
Volta (born 1979) created the present work in collaboration with students from the Vare Elementary School in Philadelphia. Subverting the Pennsylvania state seal into modern iconography, this work explores the meaning of power and connection in contemporary life. Volta continues to work on participatory projects and murals with Philadelphia's public schools and community organizations.
