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

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

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

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

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

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

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

People Vine VIII, 1994

Marita Dingus
American

Location: North Tapps Middle School, Lake Tapps

About the Artwork

People Vine VIII is a sculpture by artist Marita Dingus, composed of human figures sewn together. This piece is part of the artist's body of work constructed from recycled materials. Dingus notes, "the art that came from the rural and sometimes urban environments along the west coast and central part of Africa are my source of reference. My art keeps alive ancient traditions before us. My art is also connected to the healing forces in nature which is often the domain of our ancestors."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Dieringer 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.