Forrest Prince
Civilization Doesn't Work

Civilization Doesn't Work
Civilization Doesn't Work
Civilization Doesn't Work
ArtistAmerican, 1935–2020
CultureAmerican
Titles
  • Civilization Doesn't Work
Date1988
MediumMixed media and found objects on charred wood panel
Dimensions41 × 47 × 4 in. (104.1 × 119.4 × 10.2 cm)
Credit LineGift of Lester Marks in honor of Shirley Marks
Object number2020.229
Non exposé

Explore Further

Object Type
ProvenanceThe artist; Lester Marks, Houston; given to MFAH, 2020.
Exhibition History"Forrest Prince," DiverseWorks, Houston, 1991.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Text on chair: CIVILIZATION DOESN'T WORK / OR, / THE CHAIR IN RELA ION [sic] TO THE TEMPLE / THIS IS WHAT'S LEFT OF A CHAIR. IF IT / HADN'T BEEN INVENTED YOU WOULD BE / LESS LIKELY TO HAVE UGLY LEGS, FLAB- / BY THIGHS, BIG HIPS, PROTRUDING STOM- / ACHE, SHALLOW LUNGS, WEAK HEART & / SO ON. THE FURTHER YOU LIVE FR M [sic] / NATURE THE FURTHER YOU ARE FROM / /HEALTH AND PEACE AND GOD.
Text on mirror: PRAISE GOD / 1988

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