Sandford Biggers
b.1970 Los Angeles, CA
"Oracle"
2021
Bronze with painted cedar plinth
Ed. 2 of 5 with 2AP

In ancient times, an oracle was a person who offered advice or predictions believed to come from the gods. People sometimes traveled great lengths to consult with an oracle before making big decisions.

In this work, the artist combines European and African sculptural styles to form a powerful new figure. The face resembles fertility images from the Luba-Hemba people of modern-day Democratic Republic of Congo, while the body recalls a statue of Zeus, the king of Greek gods. Walk around the figure to see a hairstyle worn by warriors of the Maasai people, who inhabit parts of Kenya and Tanzania. For the artist, combining these influences is like making music: “It’s hip hop. It’s sampling [. . .] It’s like taking an old song and doing something to it to make something new.”) - Chad Edits

In ancient times, an oracle was someone who offered advice or predictions believed to come from the gods. People sometimes traveled great distances to consult with an oracle before making big decisions.

In this work, the artist combines European and African sculptural styles to form a powerful new figure. The face resembles fertility images from the Luba-Hemba people of modern-day Democratic Republic of Congo, while the body recalls a statue of Zeus, the king of Greek gods. Walk around the figure to see a hairstyle worn by warriors of the Maasai people, who inhabit parts of Kenya and Tanzania. For the artist, combining these influences is like making music: “It’s hip hop. It’s sampling […] It’s like taking an old song and doing something to it to make it something new.”