About this artwork
This dynamic fabric is an example of Joel Robinson’s freelance work with textiles and furniture design, which he undertook alongside a day job in advertising. Featuring a network of multicolored dots and radiating black lines, this celebratory fabric recalls the sparks of the popular fireworks of the same name.
In 1951 Roman Candles was awarded a prize as part of the Good Design exhibition series, co-organized by the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. Robinson contributed textile designs to several Good Design exhibitions as the first and only African American designer selected to participate in this prestigious mid-century design program.
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Status
- On View, Gallery 285
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Department
- Textiles
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Artists
- Joel Robinson (Designer) , L. Anton Maix Fabrics (Producer)
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Title
- Roman Candles
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Places
- New York (Object made in), United States (Object made in)
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Date
- Made 1947-1955
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Medium
- Linen, plain weave; screen printed
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Inscriptions
- Selvage: 'Roman Candles' by Joel Robinson / Patt. Rep. 9"
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Dimensions
- 182.9 × 128.3 cm (72 × 50 1/2 in.)
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Credit Line
- Mr. and Mrs. William W. McKittrick Endowment Fund
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Reference Number
- 2019.1302
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.