Shirley | Created by Gloria Gammage Davis from Philadelphia, PA.

Shirley

Created by:

Gloria Gammage Davis from Philadelphia, PA

Exhibit:

Racism: In the Face of Hate We Resist

Artist Statement:

Some colleagues called her “Fighting Shirley.” A forerunner in her times, Shirley Chisolm had the audacity to run for President. The seven-term congresswoman fertilized the ground for all races and women of color in Congress today.

Shirley’s image, placed upon the Constitution, centers the quilt. She is surrounded by her own words, placed on fabrics that express these messages. Shirley Chisholm’s wisdom, exemplified by her statements such as “Racism keeps people who are managed from finding out the truth through contact with each other,” shows her understanding of the political arena.

The borders contain her motto, “Unbought and Unbossed,” an expression of her independence and strength. Shirley was not beholden to any group and stated her freedom to do the work she saw fit for her constituents.

27½" x 33"
Pieced cotton, printed fabric, artificial hair, beads, charm; appliquéd, machine quilted.