"Star-Spangled Presidents: Portraits by Liza Lou"
2000-11-18 until 2001-02-19
Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery
Washington, DC, USA

The museum presents this installation to complement the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History's new permanent exhibition The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden. Using beads, Liza Lou creates a likeness of each of the 42 American presidents that resembles historic black and white photographs. Each portrait is bordered with a wide band of gold beads, creating the illusion of a gilded frame. To complete the installation, finished in 1996, Lou includes ceremonial objects that suggest the trappings of the office, including a draped American flag, a chandelier, a fancy table and a cigar.

The zillions of beads I used to create American Presidents symbolize grand campaign promises of a sparkling future for America and the fulfillment of the American Dream, said Lou.

Lou is best known for her monumental beaded environments, including Kitchen (1995) and Back Yard (1997). Her installations combine the shimmering beauty and glamour of beads with insightful and subtle comments on suburban American culture and a woman's role in this society.

Related Links:

Liza Lou: Bead the World
2000-03-11
Akron Art Museum
Akron, OH USA United States of America

Indepth Arts Resources for the State of District of Columbia

Other Important Exhibitions in Washington