Lorna Simpson - III

Created for the 1994 Peter Norton Family Christmas Project, Lorna Simpson’s III (Wish #1, Wish #2, Wish #3) transforms the traditional wishbone into a sculptural meditation on fragility, desire, and cultural meaning. The edition consists of three cast wishbones—each made of a different material (ceramic, rubber, and bronze)—presented in a custom wooden box with molded felt and lithographic impressions of the forms.

Simpson, celebrated for her conceptual photography and multimedia practice, uses the wishbone motif to reflect on themes of chance, hope, and vulnerability. The variation in materials suggests different states of permanence and resilience, while the serial presentation underscores repetition and ritual.

As part of the highly regarded Norton Christmas Project editions, this multiple holds significance both as an accessible artwork and as a reflection of Simpson’s wider engagement with symbolism, identity, and narrative.

Collectors value III (Wish #1, Wish #2, Wish #3) not only as a sculptural edition but also as an intimate example of Simpson’s exploration of meaning through objects.

Lorna Simpson is a renowned American artist, born in 1960, whose innovative work spans across multiple mediums, including photography, print, and multimedia installations. She emerged in the late 1980s and is celebrated for her groundbreaking approach to conceptual art, exploring themes of identity, race, and gender. Her artwork often combines photographs with textual elements, creating a dialogue between image and language that challenges traditional narratives and perceptions. Simpson’s early works, such as her iconic “Guarded Conditions” and “Waterbearer,” use fragmented images of black women to confront stereotypes and the objectification of the female body. These powerful photographs, often presented in series, are interwoven with brief, enigmatic text that adds layers of meaning and encourages viewers to question societal norms and biases. Her use of juxtaposition in her photographs underscores the complexity of identity and experience. In addition to photography, Simpson’s prints and mixed-media artworks further expand her exploration of representation and memory. Her print series often feature silhouetted figures, abstract shapes, and rich textures, evoking a sense of history and personal narrative. Through these prints, Simpson delves into the interplay between visibility and invisibility, presence and absence, creating compelling visual metaphors that resonate with contemporary audiences. Simpson’s more recent works have incorporated video and sculpture, continuing her examination of cultural and personal identity. Regardless of the medium, her artwork consistently engages with issues of race, gender, and the body, challenging viewers to reconsider their perceptions and assumptions. Lorna Simpson’s artworks have been exhibited globally, cementing her status as a pivotal figure in contemporary art. Lorna Simpson has exhibited extensively, achieving significant milestones throughout her career. In 1990, she became the first African American woman to showcase her work at the Venice Biennale. The same year, the Museum of Modern Art in New York held a solo exhibition of her work. In 2006, a mid-career survey of her art was presented at the MOCA (Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art) and later traveled to the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, amongst others.

Auction record: $300k, Sotheby’s, 2018