Alison Saar American, born 1956 Tobacco Demon, 1993 Ceiling tin, shellac on wood, found objects Purchased through founds provided by AT&T NEW ART / NEW VISIONS and the 20th Century Art Acquisitions Fund, 1993.17 With chains and a scythe, Tobacco Demon represents the evil overseers of plantations before the Civil War. Alison Saar's image draws on the character of Baron Samadhi, overlord of zombies and guardian of the cemetery in Haitian folklore. For the artist, he also symbolize today's drug lords. |