Dindga McCannon (American, born 1947). <em>Revolutionary Sister</em>, 1971. Mixed media construction on wood, 62 x 27 in. (157.5 x 68.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of R.M. Atwater, Anna Wolfrom Dove, Alice Fiebiger, Joseph Fiebiger, Belle Campbell Harriss, and Emma L. Hyde, by exchange, Designated Purchase Fund, Mary Smith Dorward Fund, Dick S. Ramsay Fund, and Carll H. de Silver Fund, 2012.80.32. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2012.80.32_PS9.jpg)

Dindga McCannon (American, born 1947). Revolutionary Sister, 1971. Mixed media construction on wood, 62 x 27 in. (157.5 x 68.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of R.M. Atwater, Anna Wolfrom Dove, Alice Fiebiger, Joseph Fiebiger, Belle Campbell Harriss, and Emma L. Hyde, by exchange, Designated Purchase Fund, Mary Smith Dorward Fund, Dick S. Ramsay Fund, and Carll H. de Silver Fund, 2012.80.32. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2012.80.32_PS9.jpg)

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What was the inspiration for this work?

Dindga McCannon's inspiration for this piece arose from her frustration that roles were limited for women. She believed that they should be able to do everything, even lead a revolution.

The flag-poles on the headpiece relate to the Statue of Liberty and represent how even while immigrants often entered the US by way of Ellis Island, a large segment of the United States population couldn't see the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of opportunity. McCannon says of her "Revolutionary Sister," "We were born here and we don't have those same rights...she is our Statue of Liberty".

Also, if you look closely, on the left-hand side, you can see the bandolier belt with bullets. The bandolier belt was a potent symbol of political resistance during the Civil Rights Movement, and had its origins in the first media images of the Black Panther Party. It was then popularized by Blaxploitation films of the 70s.

Are these real bullets?

I believe so! Bandolier belts were popular accessories among members of the Black Liberation Movement.

What is this about?

McCannon's inspiration for this piece arose from her frustration that roles for women were limited. She believed they could do anything, even lead a revolution!

If you look closely on the left-hand side, you can see the bandolier belt with bullets. This was a potent symbol of political resistance during the Black Power Movement and had its origins in the first media images of the Black Panther Party.

Is McCannon still active? Are there other works of hers in the Museum?

Dindga McCannon is still alive! We have three works by her in our collection, but this is the only one on view at the moment.

She is currently based in Philadelphia, where she has lived for many years. She also makes regular visits to see us here in Brooklyn!

Thank you

Revolutionary Sister

Dindga McCannon

Contemporary Art

On View: American Art Galleries, 5th Floor, Witness

Dindga McCannon wrote about her inspiration for making Revolutionary Sister:

In the 60s and 70s we didn’t have many women warriors (that we were aware of) so I created my own. Her headpiece is made from recycled mini flag poles. The shape was inspired by my thoughts on the statue of liberty; she represents freedom for so many but what about us (African Americans)? My warrior is made from pieces from the hardware store—another place women were not welcomed back then. My thoughts were my warrior is hard as nails. I used a lot of the liberation colors: red—for the blood we shed; green—for the Motherland—Africa; and black—for the people. The bullet belt validates her warrior status. She doesn’t need a gun; the power of change exists within her. The belt was mine. In the early 70s bullet belts were a fashion statement, I think inspired by the blaxploitation movies of the time. I couldn’t afford the metal belts, probably purchased at army navy surplus stores, so I made do with a plastic one.

ARTIST Dindga McCannon, American, born 1947

MEDIUM Mixed media construction on wood

DATES 1971

DIMENSIONS 62 x 27 in. (157.5 x 68.6 cm) (show scale)

SIGNATURE Signed LR

INSCRIPTIONS Dated LR

COLLECTIONS Contemporary Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 2012.80.32

CREDIT LINE Gift of R.M. Atwater, Anna Wolfrom Dove, Alice Fiebiger, Joseph Fiebiger, Belle Campbell Harriss, and Emma L. Hyde, by exchange, Designated Purchase Fund, Mary Smith Dorward Fund, Dick S. Ramsay Fund, and Carll H. de Silver Fund

PROVENANCE By 2012, purchased from the artist by David Lusenhop of Hamtramck, MI and M.M. Azzi Fine Art & Design, Inc., Chicago, IL; December 13, 2012, purchased from David Lusenhop and M.M. Azzi Fine Art & Design, Inc. by the Brooklyn Museum.

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EXHIBITIONS

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in American Art Galleries, 5th Floor, Witness

CAPTION Dindga McCannon (American, born 1947). Revolutionary Sister, 1971. Mixed media construction on wood, 62 x 27 in. (157.5 x 68.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of R.M. Atwater, Anna Wolfrom Dove, Alice Fiebiger, Joseph Fiebiger, Belle Campbell Harriss, and Emma L. Hyde, by exchange, Designated Purchase Fund, Mary Smith Dorward Fund, Dick S. Ramsay Fund, and Carll H. de Silver Fund, 2012.80.32. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2012.80.32_PS9.jpg)

IMAGE overall, 2012.80.32_PS9.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2017

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