Testing Chair (Remembering Bessie Harvey) 1995

Thornton Dial's "Testing Chair (Remembering Bessie Harvey)" (1995) is a striking assemblage sculpture constructed from found objects, primarily metal and wood. The piece resembles a chair with a wire mesh backrest, but its form is distorted and fragmented, suggesting a sense of both fragility and strength. Dial, known for his use of everyday materials, transforms these ordinary objects into a poignant and evocative work of art, referencing themes of memory, history, and the African American experience. His works often incorporate personal narratives and social commentary, inviting viewers to engage with the complexities of human existence.