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Untitled (Wall of Respect)

A work made of gelatin silver print.

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  • A work made of gelatin silver print.

Date:

1967-71

Artist:

Bob Crawford
American, 1939-2015

About this artwork

Interested in the ways in which Black Aesthetics—an exploration of African heritage and a celebration of Black identity and beauty—permeated all aspects of daily life in his community, Bob Crawford joined the cohort of photographers who worked at the Wall of Respect in 1967. Created by the Organization of Black American Culture (OBAC), a collective of Black artists, writers, intellectuals, and activists on Chicago’s South Side, the Wall of Respect was an outdoor mural located at 43rd Street and South Langley Avenue that featured Black heroes and heroines grouped into seven sections. While not a member of OBAC, Crawford worked in dialogue with its members and was deeply involved in documenting the Wall, particularly its creation. This image shows artist Myrna Weaver painting her contributions to the Wall’s Sports section: a victorious Muhammad Ali on one panel at left and Jim Brown, Wilt Chamberlain, and Bill Russell playing their respective sports on a panel at right.

Status

On View, Gallery 188

Department

Photography and Media

Artist

Bob Crawford

Title

Untitled (Wall of Respect)

Place

United States (Artist's nationality:)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

Made 1967–1971

Medium

Gelatin silver print

Dimensions

Image: 20.2 × 14 cm (8 × 5 9/16 in.); Paper: 25.1 × 20.1 cm (9 15/16 × 7 15/16 in.)

Credit Line

Through prior gifts of Emanuel and Edithann M. Gerard and Mrs. James Ward Thorne

Reference Number

2017.170

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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