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Mother Europe Cares for Her Colonies

1925
(American, 1895–1946)
America, 20th century
gelatin silver print of a collage
Image: 16.1 x 12.3 cm (6 5/16 x 4 13/16 in.); Paper: 18.7 x 13.4 cm (7 3/8 x 5 1/4 in.)
John L. Severance Fund 2007.96
© Estate of László Moholy-Nagy / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Location: not on view
This artwork is known to be under copyright.

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Description

For Moholy-Nagy, the densely packed variation of collage that he termed fotoplastik (photosculpture) comprising mounted fragments of photographs "assembled on one plane . . . making for easier intelligibility, even revelation of an otherwise hidden meaning." He considered a fotoplastik finished only when seen in reproduction, such as the photograph here. This work is known under two titles, Birthmark Salome (Muttermal Salome) and Mother Europe Cares for Her Colonies. The latter is an overtly political reflection of anti-colonialist sentiments. Ironically, the picture shows two Africans, not a European. The washing of the child is indeed a caring act, although one he does not appear to appreciate.
Mother Europe Cares for Her Colonies

Mother Europe Cares for Her Colonies

1925

László Moholy-Nagy

(American, 1895–1946)
America, 20th century

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