The Practice #2

2019

Bare Arms: The Practice #2, 2019. Darius Steward (American, b. 1984). Drypoint on aluminum on Twinrocker All Purpose paper; plate: 29.8 x 29.8 cm (11 3/4 x 11 3/4 in.); sheet: 35.6 x 35.6 cm (14 x 14 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Thomas French in honor of Robert Getscher, PhD 2020.97 © Darius Steward Bare Arms (The Practice #2), one of a pair of drypoints by Darius Steward in the CMA’s collection, forms part of the artist’s ongoing exploration of his childhood in East Cleveland in juxtaposition to that of his own children, whom the work represents. He writes: “My portrayal of my children now borders on appropriation of many personal moments and memories. I recognize what they are experiencing and make connections between what I experienced some 30 years ago versus what I missed out on in East Cleveland. I have greater aspirations for a better life for my children and all people.” In Bare Arms (The Practice #1) Steward’s skilled draftsmanship and unusual, cropped composition conveys physical struggle in the guise of play. This print portrays the artist’s children.