The New Heaven

Artist Leroy Almon (American, 1938 - 1997)

Date1984

Dimensions36 × 24 in. (91.4 × 61 cm)

MediumMixed media (carved wood, light bulbs, artificial pearls, glue, glitter, plastic Letters, paint)

ClassificationSculpture

Credit LineGift of Arthur J. Secor, by exchange, purchased with funds from the Florence Scott Libbey Bequest in Memory of her Father, Maurice A. Scott and gift of the Souls Grown Deep Foundation

Object number

2020.25

Not on View

Label TextThe New Heaven takes up a biblical theme in a setting that recalls the Garden of Eden. A stream of water moves through the center of the composition from the mouth of God, seen floating amid mountains at the top center, flanked by angels. The use of light, jewels, and reflective materials demonstrates the importance Leroy Almon placed on the holy subject matter. Groups of worshippers, who appear to be of different cultural backgrounds, all share from the Tree of Life and drink from the Fountain of Life. Almon seems be pointing to what he wishes society could attain, a coming together no matter our backgrounds and experiences for a common spiritual good. After learning woodcarving from Columbus, Ohio-based artist Elijah Pierce (1892–1984) in the 1970s, Almon embarked on his own practice. He would begin with sketches, then compose the imagery with a pocketknife chisel on softwood panels in low relief. He was also a nondenominational evangelical preacher, so along with intertwining politics and history, his works are deeply inspired by his strong Christian faith like many artists featured in Living Legacies.Published ReferencesArnett, Paul, and William Arnett, eds., Souls Grown Deep: African American Vernacular Art of the South, Volume One, Atlanta, GA, Tinwood Books, 2000, p. 212-213, plate 190 (col.) p. 213.

Hong, Jessica, Living Legacies: Art of the African American South, Toledo Museum of Art, 2022, p. 22-23, repr. col., p. 23.

Exhibition HistoryToledo Museum of Art, Living Legacies: Art of the African American South, Jan. 15 - May 1, 2022.