III

Artist Lorna Simpson (American, born 1961)

Printer Jeff Ryan (American)

Publisher 21 Steps, Portland, Oregon (American)

Date1994

MediumWood, felt, ceramice, rubber and bronze

DimensionsOverall (box): 13 5/8 × 5 3/8 × 2 1/8 inches (34.62 × 13.67 × 5.41 cm)

Credit LineGift of Marc and Elizabeth Wilson

Object numberF94-40 A-F

On View

Not on view

Collections

Contemporary Art

Terms

DescriptionBox has sliding lid that opens to reveal a thin layer of felt. the interior is felt-lined with wishbone-shaped openings that contain three cast wishbones in ceramic, bronze, and rubber.Gallery Label

Gallery Label

The meaning of Lorna Simpson's III is a layered "mediation on wishing." Wishing upon the forked bone of a chicken's breast, or wishbone, is an ancient custom. Two people break the bone, and the one with the larger piece is granted a lucky wish. In III, Simpson repeats the form of the wishbone three times, suggesting the often-recounted fairytale theme of making three wishes. III evokes the arbitrariness of wishing and the desire for luck. It invites us to consider the role of action versus passivity in the fulfillment of wishes. The wishbone shape itself is a symbol of good fortune, fertility and life.

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