Hymn to Freedom

Artist Curtis Patterson (American, born 1944)

Date2019

MediumBronze

DimensionsOverall: 39 × 19 × 22 inches (99.1 × 48.3 × 55.9 cm)
.a approximation: 24 3/8 × 19 × 3/8 inches (61.9 × 48.3 × 1 cm)
.b approximation: 18 × 23 1/8 × 3/8 inches (45.7 × 58.7 × 1 cm)
.c approximation: 5 1/2 × 3 3/8 × 3/8 inches (14 × 8.6 × 1 cm)
.d approximation: 4 5/8 × 3 3/8 × 3/8 inches (11.7 × 8.6 × 1 cm)
.e approximation: 4 5/8 × 3 3/8 × 3/8 inches (11.7 × 8.6 × 1 cm)
.f approximation: 4 5/8 × 3 3/8 × 3/8 inches (11.7 × 8.6 × 1 cm)
.g approximation: 6 1/2 × 3 1/2 × 3/8 inches (16.5 × 8.9 × 1 cm)
.h approximation: 6 3/4 × 3 × 3/8 inches (17.1 × 7.6 × 1 cm)
.i approximation: 6 3/4 × 3 1/2 × 3/8 inches (17.1 × 8.9 × 1 cm)
.j approximation: 5 3/8 × 3 1/8 × 3/8 inches (13.7 × 7.9 × 1 cm)
.k approximation: 5 1/2 × 3 1/16 × 3/8 inches (14 × 7.8 × 1 cm)
.l approximation: 24 1/2 × 5 × 3/8 inches (62.2 × 12.7 × 1 cm)
.m approximation: 8 5/8 × 17 × 3/8 inches (21.9 × 43.2 × 1 cm)
.n approximation: 31 1/8 × 24 1/8 inches (79.1 × 61.3 cm)

Portfolio/Series"Rocker" series

Credit LineMuseum purchase.

Object number2022.24

On View

Not on view

Copyright© Curtis Patterson. The images and text contained on this page are owned by Telfair Museums or used by the Museum with permission from the owners. Unauthorized reproduction, transmission or display of these materials is prohibited with the exception of items deemed “fair use” as defined by U.S. and international copyright laws.Label TextAtlanta-based sculptor Curtis Patterson created Hymn to Freedom as part of his Rocker series, a group of works that utilize an ingenious system of key-slot fitted elements to interlock separate organic and geometric forms. The fabricated bronze is treated with an applied hot patina, which pro-duces a visible surface effect of varying shapes and patterns. Patterson’s work often commemorates individuals of African ancestry and signifies events from African American culture and history. This sculpture honors three individuals. The sculpture’s title pays homage to famed jazz pianist Oscar Peterson, who wrote the song Hymn to Freedom in 1962. Its composition echoes Olympians Tommie Smith and John Carlos’ raised fists during the podium ceremony at the 1968 Olympic games in Mexico City after winning gold and bronze medals, respectively, a gesture that called for equal human rights and social justice for all in the United States.

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