Artwork copyright Marita Dingus. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

Artwork copyright Marita Dingus. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017 (detail).

Artwork copyright Marita Dingus. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

Artwork copyright Marita Dingus. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Urban League Doll, 1989

Marita Dingus
(American, born 1956)

Location: Gildo Rey Elementary School, Auburn

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist Marita Dingus created Urban League Doll by combining found and discarded materials. The name references the non-profit civil rights organization that works to support and empower African American communities. Dingus speaks decisively about the symbolism of her chosen materials. She states, “The materials represent discarded people, and people of color historically have been discarded. You don't discard people. They have value.”

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Auburn School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Northwest artist Marita Dingus is an African American feminist and environmental artist. She is a mixed media sculptor who uses discarded and recycled materials. In her own words, “My approach to producing art is environmentally and politically infused: neither waste humanity nor the gifts of nature . . . The discarded materials represent how people of African descent were used during the institution of slavery and colonialism then discarded, but who found ways to repurpose themselves and thrive in a hostile world.”

Dingus received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia and both a Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts from San Jose State University in California. She grew up in Auburn, Western Washington, and still lives and works there. She received the 2018 Twining Humber Award for lifetime artistic achievement.