Beauty in Dreams
Artist: Ken Williams Jr. (American, Arapaho, Seneca, born 1983)
Date: 2019
Dimensions:
Bag: 12 1/2 × 6 1/2 in.
Bag with Fringe: 22 1/2 in. (57.2 cm)
Deer Pendant: 5 × 4 in.
Medium: Vintage and new glass beads, silk ribbon, porcupine quills, wool, shell, seed pearls, hubble glass beads, brass thimbles, deer hide, brass beads, brass bells, vintage Swarovski sew downs, cow hide latigo, brass rings, human hair.
Classification: Textiles and Fiber
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Art Acquisition Endowment Fund
Object number: 2019.60
Label Text:Ken Williams, Jr. is one of the most renowned Native American beadworkers active today. Primarily self-taught, Williams began experimenting with beadwork at the age of six. His matrilineal family were accomplished beadworkers, and as a young adult Williams resolved “to focus on refining my work—not only as a potential future for myself, but also to reflect well upon my family’s reputation.” Williams’ practice is grounded in reimagining and reinvigorating the medium of beadwork, and he views his art as a connecting link between the traditions of the past and the future. His art serves to transfer generational memories, while also telling stories that resonate with the present moment.
DescriptionBeaded bag with a vibrant contemporary color palette; anonymous portrait in the center of the bag; beaded deer pendant hangs beneath the bag with fringe.
On view