Homage to NMAAHC

By Sarah Matthews
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Borowsky Center, 2022. Variable edition of 128.
12” x 6.25'“ (closed); 12 accordion folds. Flag structure. Printed by Amanda D'Amico & Erica Honson on a Heidelberg Offset Printer in the Borowsky Center for the Publication Arts at the University of Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. End covers fold out to reveal additional imagery and colophon Signed and numbered by Matthews. Laid in a folding lightweight portfolio with velcro and slit and slot closure.
Artist book statement: "’Homage to NMAAHC’" is an expressive flag book that serves as a celebration of the National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC). Inspired by multiple visits to the museum, Sarah Matthews felt compelled to create a work that captures her personal response and learnings. The book's foundation consists of a digital collage, featuring photos taken during her museum visits.
“During her vonHess residency, Sarah collaborated with Amanda D'Amico and Erica Honson at the University of Arts in Philadelphia, PA, to bring ‘Homage to NMAAHC’ to life. The book was beautifully printed on a Heidelberg Offset Printer at the Borowsky Center for the Publication Arts. Layered upon this base of the are the artist's original designs with an excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King's iconic ‘I Have a Dream Speech.’
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.
“This powerful line from Dr. King's speech serves as a reminder of the vision and hope for equality that resonates throughout the NMAAHC. The flag book format allows for the simultaneous display of these elements, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for the reader. Through this artistic endeavor, Sarah Matthews aims to honor the museum's profound impact and the enduring significance of its mission to promote understanding, recognition, and appreciation of African American history and culture.”
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