Artworks

Inventing Truth, 2001–2002

  • Artist

    Adia Millett

  • Title

    Inventing Truth

  • Date

    2001–2002

  • Medium

    Thread on mesh in giltwood frames

  • Dimensions

    Installed: 35 1/2 × 41 × 1 in. (90.2 × 104.1 × 2.5 cm)

  • Credit line

    The Studio Museum in Harlem; Museum purchase with funds provided by the Acquisition Committee

  • Object Number

    2002.10.17a-g

Adia Millett’s works consider loss, memory, and the life of objects, particularly how they hold meaning and bear witness to life events over time. Inventing Truth displays objects that have distinct associations with Black men, including Newport menthol cigarettes (which were aggressively advertised to African-American communities starting in the 1970s), a porkpie hat, a bottle of Popov vodka, and a rifle. Utilizing the medium of embroidery, Millett juxtaposes a traditionally feminine and domestic craft with content that is often associated with masculinity.


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Artworks

Inventing Truth, 2001–2002

  • Artist

    Adia Millett

  • Title

    Inventing Truth

  • Date

    2001–2002

  • Medium

    Thread on mesh in giltwood frames

  • Dimensions

    Installed: 35 1/2 × 41 × 1 in. (90.2 × 104.1 × 2.5 cm)

  • Credit line

    The Studio Museum in Harlem; Museum purchase with funds provided by the Acquisition Committee

  • Object Number

    2002.10.17a-g

Adia Millett’s works consider loss, memory, and the life of objects, particularly how they hold meaning and bear witness to life events over time. Inventing Truth displays objects that have distinct associations with Black men, including Newport menthol cigarettes (which were aggressively advertised to African-American communities starting in the 1970s), a porkpie hat, a bottle of Popov vodka, and a rifle. Utilizing the medium of embroidery, Millett juxtaposes a traditionally feminine and domestic craft with content that is often associated with masculinity.


Explore further