Elizabeth Catlett

Artist, teacher, and social activist Elizabeth Catlett was best known for her work in printmaking and sculpture. Many of her works feature female faces. To Catlett, the face was “key to both racial identity and the inner essence of humanity.” This sculpture of a female head lifted in song reflects Catlett’s exploration of black heritage, as well as the role of women leaders in the community.

Ellizabeth Catlett (1915 – 2012), Singing Head, circa 1980. bronze, edition of 9; recast from original sculpture cast in 1960. Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Calvin A. Bell and Winston Bell (son), 2013.10