Robert Colescott, The Three Graces: Art, Sex and Death, 1981

Lowery Sims: This is Lowery Sims. I am Designated Curator Emerita from The Museum of Arts and Design, but I've worked at the Metropolitan Museum and the Studio Museum in Harlem, and I've spent a lot of time looking at Robert Colescott, so I'm happy to be your guide into deciphering this very complex painting.

The Three Graces: Art, Sex and Death draw on themes that come from art and mythology from antiquity, and then in the classical revival during the Renaissance. The three figures traditionally represent characters of charm, beauty, and creativity. But Colescott transforms these concepts with modern nuances, with references to vernacular pop and media. Adding, I think almost a punk nuance, characterizing them now as art, sex, and death. Sounds like the Sex Pistols or something. 

Narrator: If you’d like to hear Lowery Sims discuss the trio in detail, please tap to continue.