Accession Number2004/1.153
TitleMichigan Worker
Artist(s)George VargasObject Creation Date1985Medium & Supportwelding goggles, metal, hanging bells, rusty bottle cap, pulleys, chains, and padlock mounted on plywoodDimensions 20 7/8 in x 10 3/8 in x 2 9/16 in (53.02 cm x 26.35 cm x 6.51 cm);20 7/8 in x 10 3/8 in x 2 9/16 in (53.02 cm x 26.35 cm x 6.51 cm)
Credit LineGift of the artistSubject matterCreated when Vargas was a student at the University of Michigan, “Michigan Worker” draws on the tradition of the found object and junk art, as well as a figurative tradition, which he evokes by using industrial materials representing the working class Michigan automotive worker.
Physical DescriptionA mixed media assemblage consisting of welding goggles, rusted metal, a padlock, and two rusted bells hanging from a chain mounted on a wooden board with screws. The position of the objects, with goggles at the top, makes the assemblage look vaguely face-like.
Primary Object Classification Mixed Media Primary Object Typefound objectAdditional Object Classification(s)Mixed MediaCollection AreaModern and ContemporaryRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.
Keywords
Latino
found objects
goggles
junk sculpture
portraits
working class