268. So Help Me God
Title: So Help Me God
Date: 1980
Subject: Person taking an oath
Measurements: 13 ½” W x 10” D x 29 ¼” H
Materials and Techniques: Wooden forms
Description: A box-like wooden form with an open top and bottom represent the stand from which this oath is being declared. A rectangular box, also with no top and bottom is positioned on its side within the stand, representing the body of the figure taking the oath. At the top of the body is a square-shaped wooden form that represents his head. Two grooves are etched into his face, representing eyebrows. Small wooden forms represent eyes and a nose, and two long, narrow wooden forms stacked horizontally on top of each other represent lips. A wooden form that widens at its top projects upwards from the stand, representing an arm that is raised while one declares an oath. Projecting from beneath the stand is a wooden form that represents the person’s foot.
Signed: “NSG 80” etched onto back
Note: Exhibited at Camden Art Centre, 1980, but with a different face. Exhibited at Duncan Campbell’s gallery in 1994 as #7 “So Help Me God.” Cost: 3,750 Pounds. Featured on the invitation to the 1994 exhibition as well as on the brochure for the exhibition. Also featured in Presentation Portfolio IV.