Tina Barney

The Gods Are Pounding My Head (AKA Lumber Jack Messiah) Richard Foreman
2005, printed 2009

Not on view

Date
2005, printed 2009

Classification
Photographs

Medium
Chromogenic print

Dimensions
Sheet: 11 × 14in. (27.9 × 35.6 cm) Image: 10 9/16 × 13 7/16in. (26.8 × 34.1 cm)

Accession number
2011.117.32

Credit line
Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; gift of Jeanne and Richard S. Press

Rights and reproductions
©️ Tina Barney

API
artworks/36937

Part of a series:
Players
67 works

A stylized photograph of two individuals in a room filled with eclectic decor and artwork. The person on the left stands with arms crossed, wearing a tweed outfit, while the person on the right sits casually in an ornate chair, dressed in a white outfit with a red and black striped jacket. The room is adorned with various portraits, including blue-toned images of Abraham Lincoln, and is characterized by its vibrant curtains, patterned wallpaper, and antique furniture.
A person wearing a red military-style jacket with gold embellishments stands in front of a dark blue backdrop. The individual has a distinctive hairstyle with the hair standing upright and a somewhat exaggerated facial expression with raised eyebrows.
A performer is being held upside down by another person's hands, with only their legs and torso visible in the frame. In the background, two individuals are seated, one in a red and white costume, and the other in casual attire, both observing the scene. The setting appears to be a backstage area with blue curtains and chairs along a table with various items on it.
A woman in a red top and plaid skirt stands in a parking lot with three poodles on their hind legs, wearing festive collars. Behind them, a circus tent and trailers are visible under a clear blue sky.
A man in a pinstripe suit sits on a black leather couch, looking quizzically at a pair of sunglasses he holds in his hands. A French bulldog sits beside him on the couch, looking off to the side. Behind them is a decorative wall with a framed picture featuring a geometric pattern. The image has a white border with film development markings, indicating it is a photograph.
A photograph capturing a behind-the-scenes moment where two individuals in colorful, theatrical costumes are standing in a backstage area. The person on the left, facing away from the camera, wears a dress with a blue bodice and a pink and purple skirt, while the person on the right, facing the camera, is dressed in a white top with a blue and yellow collar, striped yellow and brown leggings, and red boots. In the background, another individual is partially obscured by a blue tarp, and a ladder is visible to the side.
A person in a blue and red uniform with decorative buttons stands in front of a blue and white tent backdrop, giving the impression of a circus or performance setting.
Two performers in elaborate costumes stand near a white trailer and yellow bins labeled "EXCLUSIVE AGENT." The person on the left is dressed in a patriotic-themed outfit with a blue skirt and red and white stripes, while the person on the right wears a golden costume resembling ancient Roman armor. They appear to be engaged in a conversation behind the scenes of an event or performance.
A staged family portrait in an elegant living room setting. A young woman in a white dress stands in the center holding a python around her shoulders. To her left, a young man lounges on a sofa, reading a book about magic, with a bored expression. To her right, an older man sits in an armchair, dressed in black and looking stern, while an older woman stands beside him, smiling at the camera, wearing a blue sweater and leopard print belt. A black and white dog lies on the floor, and the room is decorated with traditional furniture, paintings, and a tall antique clock.
A photograph of a shirtless person with a metallic gold painted face and upper body, posing in front of a plain backdrop with a slight crease visible. The person has a neutral expression and is looking directly at the camera. The photo includes a white border with film information visible at the top edge.


On the Hour

A 30-second online art project:
Maya Man, A Realistic Day In My Life Living In New York City

Learn more about this project

Learn more at whitney.org/artport

On the Hour projects can contain motion and sound. To respect your accessibility settings autoplay is disabled.