Comet

Artist: Kiki Smith
Title of Work: Comet
Year: 1996
Dimensions: 26″ x 20″ x 11″ 
Material: Bronze and pigmented cast resin
Photo Line: Courtesy of Girls Club
Collection Credit: Collection of Francie Bishop Good and David Horvitz

Throughout history comets have been viewed as omens of impending catastrophe.  The fall of man in Genesis may certainly be viewed as the greatest catastrophe in the history of the world.  The tree Smith created in this small scale sculpture may be read as the tree of knowledge from the Garden of Eden.  The tree is covered by a cast doily, an object traditionally associated with women’s work, and a pink resin hand bound to the tree by wire.  Throughout human history the expulsion from the Garden of Eden has been blamed upon the actions Eve.  Modern women have been unable to escape the repercussions of these interpretations, making it impossible for them to achieve parity with men. 

–Sophia Yablon ’12, Gund Gallery Associate