Nancy Grossman

Head

About this artwork

Hand-carved in wood and covered with leather, this sinister head is the second of approximately seventy five head sculptures made by the artist from 1968. The life-size head suggests the dark side of humanity, with the face strapped and bound in such a way to appear simultaneously menacing, sexual and vulnerable. The sense of claustrophobia is heightened by the fact that only the nose gives a hint of the face beneath, being left bare as if to allow for breathing. Grossman has stated that the heads refer to the bondage and restrictions she felt during her childhood. Her materials are also influenced by her childhood hobby of horse riding and the equestrian tack she used; bridles, halters, lip straps and martingales.

Updated before 2020

  • artist:
    Nancy Grossman (born 1940) American
  • title:
    Head
  • date created:
    1968
  • materials:
    Leather, studs, nails and epoxy resin over wood
  • measurements:
    31.80 x 19.00 x 23.10 cm (figure size); 10.60 x 14.50 x 14.50 cm (figure size)
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Bequeathed by Gabrielle Keiller 1995
  • accession number:
    GMA 3984
  • gallery:
Does this text contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Tell us what you think.

Nancy Grossman

Nancy Grossman