What We Fund

1974-1978 | New York City

Material: paint on welded steel, in two parts

Courtesy of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

The concept for Dancing in Nigeria developed after Melvin Edwards took his first trip to Ede, Nigeria, in 1970. He was inspired by much of what he saw, including the culture, architecture, dance, and West African music. The artist based this sculpture on drawings and diagrams he created that follow dancer’s movements. Although its form celebrates movement, the sculpture is static – solidifying the fleeting nature of dance. Best known for steel sculptures devoid of color, Edwards chose the bright yellow of Dancing in Nigeria during a period of experimentation in his career.