I could not resist sending you two views of Brick House, the 16 foot tall, 9 foot wide, 5900 pound sculpture by African American artist, Simone Leigh. Both are pictured on the Highline, the linear park in New York City, where this sculpture claimed and commanded space from 2019 to 2021. (There are many castings including one on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania.) In the first photo at a physical intersection, this overlooking sculpture seems to hold us at many other intersections including those of race, gender, sexuality and class. Leigh invites us to explore these and our nation’s history with her creativity and traditional African elements. Here a skirt as a clay hut, absent eyes, varied hair, can cause us to pause and wonder as planned. Simone Leigh uses her making to tell stories of change and adaptation and to portray the unstoppable forward movement of Black women. With the undeniable strength of bronze, Brick House voices stories of women’s dignity and pain.

Simone Leigh (b. 1967) grew up in Chicago and began exhibiting in the early 2000’s. She has exhibited her art around the world to many awards and great acclaim. She herself is unstoppable.

And once again we come to the end of our brief glance at an artist and feel that being on our knees would be most appropriate. We give thanks for the art of Simone Leigh. In her hands, the past and the dreams of Black women can find a place this world.

Thanks be to God.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church