Artwork copyright Marita Dingus. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1991.

Laying Back Doll, 1989

Marita Dingus
(American, born 1956)

Location: Western Washington University, Bellingham

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Laying Back Doll is part of artist Marita Dingus’ body of doll figures made from found objects and “discarded material.” Dingus speaks decisively about the symbolism of her chosen medium. 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 Issaquah 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.