My James

2008

Mary Kelly

Associated Names
Mary Kelly

Artist, American, born 1941

The image shows a handwritten postcard with multiple fold marks. On the left, there is an address: "James Earl Chaney at 90 S.N.C.C, Meridian, MS, zip code 39301". On the right, the postcard has a message written in cursive, dated June 25th. The message reads: My James, Been down to the trial + to see your grave. Never going back there til I’m dead. Then, at least they won’t have to hate me. Yesterday, the preacher was sent up for 60 yrs. But your brother says he’s not in a forgiving state. I’m just tired + miss my boy. xx Mama" The postcard is stamped from Salem with a USA nonprofit postage stamp. In the background, there is text that reads "James Earl Chaney Foundation" dividing the message and address. The handwriting is informal yet legible.
This object’s media is not available for download. Contact us about image usage.

Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

The artist; purchased 2018 through (Mitchell-Innes & Nash, New York) by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2011

  • Mary Kelly: Projects, 1973-2010, Whitworth Art Gallery, The University of Manchester, 2011, unnumbered catalogue, repro.

Bibliography

2017

  • Obrist, Hans Ulrich, Rosalyn Deutsche, Mary Kelly, and Juli Carson. Mary Kelly. The Voice Remains. Works in Compressed Lint, 1999-2017. New York, 2017:112,133, repro.

Wikidata ID

Q63125258

You may be interested in

Loading Results