VERSION - notes on work in progress
Version is inspired by the great I-Roy’s album, “Don’t Check Me With No Lightweight Stuff”, 1972 - 1975. The title refers to the Jamaican Reggae term meaning “versing”, the origin of today’s rap battles among contemporary musicians.
​
The image is not intended as a portrait, but as an homage; the figure displays a joyful singer. The album is a powerful collection of 16 songs, among which my favorites are “Hospital Trolley”, “Straight to the Heathen Head”, and “Fire Burn”, with its haunting horn instrumentals.
​
https://www.artsy.net/artwork/susannah-israel-version-dont-check-me-with-no-lightweight-stuff
Listen to “Fire Burn’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlXPMq1z44U&list=OLAK5uy_nRrb1N5Lhu4XmW_C-BISCxMgnxlkjlP1Q&index=10
Page image: Version, torso of singer
Top left: Completed figure
Top right: I-Roy's album cover, "Dont Check Me With No Lightweight Stuff"
Left, 2nd row: figure in progress
Left middle, figure to waist
Right middle, base and feet
Right, notebook sketch for sculpture of Version
Bottom right: lettering for base of sculpture
