Senga Nengudi

Topologies

Senga Nengudi, A.C.Q. I, 2016-2017. Dimensions variable. Installation dimensions at Sprüth Magers London: 78 3/4 × 178 × 126 inches. Collection of the Denver Art Museum, purchased with funds from the Contemporary Collectors’ Circle with additional support from Vicki and Kent Logan, Catherine Dews Edwards and Philip Edwards, Craig Ponzio, and Ellen and Morris Susman. © Senga Nengudi. Installation photography by Stephen White. Courtesy of Sprüth Magers, Thomas Erben Gallery, and Lévy Gorvy.

Senga Nengudi, Masked Taping, 1978/79. Contact sheet, silver gelatin print. 3 panels overall: 41x34 in. each. Edition 3/5 + 1 AP. Denver Art Museum: Purchased with funds from Contemporary Alliance, 2020.565A-C. © Senga Nengudi. Photography by Adam Avila. Courtesy of Sprüth Magers, Thomas Erben Gallery, and Lévy Gorvy.

Senga Nengudi, Performance Piece (detail, left panel), 1977. Gelatin silver print. 3 panels: 41 x 32 ½ in. Performer: Maren Hassinger. © Senga Nengudi. Original photography by and © of Harmon Outlaw. Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus und Kunstbau München, KiCo Collection. Photo courtesy Lenbachhaus.

Senga Nengudi, Performance Piece (detail, center panel), 1977. Gelatin silver print. 3 panels: 41 x 32 ½ in. Performer: Maren Hassinger. © Senga Nengudi. Original photography by and © of Harmon Outlaw. Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus und Kunstbau München, KiCo Collection. Photo courtesy Lenbachhaus.

Senga Nengudi, Performance Piece (detail, right panel), 1977. Gelatin silver print. 3 panels: 41 x 32 ½ in. Performer: Maren Hassinger. © Senga Nengudi. Original photography by and © of Harmon Outlaw. Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus und Kunstbau München, KiCo Collection. Photo courtesy Lenbachhaus.

Senga Nengudi, Ceremony for Freeway Fets, 1978. 11 chromogenic prints. Original photo: Roderick 'Quaku' Young Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus und Kunstbau München, KiCo Collection. © Senga Nengudi 2019.

Senga Nengudi, Ceremony for Freeway Fets, 1978. 1 of 11 chromogenic prints. Original photo: Roderick 'Quaku' Young Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus und Kunstbau München, KiCo Collection. © Senga Nengudi 2019.

Senga Nengudi, Ceremony for Freeway Fets, 1978. 1 of 11 chromogenic prints. Original photo: Roderick 'Quaku' Young Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus und Kunstbau München, KiCo Collection. © Senga Nengudi 2019.

Senga Nengudi, Ceremony for Freeway Fets, 1978. 1 of 11 chromogenic prints. Original photo: Roderick 'Quaku' Young Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus und Kunstbau München, KiCo Collection. © Senga Nengudi 2019.

Senga Nengudi, Ceremony for Freeway Fets, 1978. 1 of 11 chromogenic prints. Original photo: Roderick 'Quaku' Young Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus und Kunstbau München, KiCo Collection. © Senga Nengudi 2019.

My art responds to being Black, being a woman, and being of a certain age. Artworks you’ll see represent someone who has had children, cared for her mother, and experienced many of the things life has to offer.

– Senga Nengudi

Videos

Publications

For almost fifty years, Senga Nengudi has shaped an œuvre that inhabits a specific and unique place between sculpture, dance, and performance.

Thanks to newly researched material, this book brings to light astonishing early works by an artist who has consistently attempted to expand the definition of what sculpture can be. Featuring newly commissioned essays by Kellie Jones, Catherine Wood, and Malik Gaines, the book offers an unprecedented view of Nengudi’s career and development. It is available for purchase at the DAM's Shop and online.

contact sheet images of Senga Nengudi's art performance where she put small bits of masking tape on her as she explored movement and elements of her African heritage of mask making, dance. rites and rituals

Senga Nengudi, Masked Taping, 1978/79. Contact sheet, silver gelatin prints. 3 panel: 41x34 in. Edition 3/5 + 1 AP. Collection of the Denver Art Museum, purchased with funds from Contemporary Alliance © Senga Nengudi. Photography by Adam Avila. Courtesy of Sprüth Magers, Thomas Erben Gallery, and Lévy Gorvy.

Access Guide

Explore the history and context of the artworks on display in Topologies with our in-depth online exhibition access guide.

Sculptural installation comprised of air conditioner parts, and nylon pantyhose filled with sand, placed in the corner of a gallery with white walls.

Senga Nengudi, A.C.Q. I, 2016–17. Refrigerator and air conditioner parts, fan, nylon pantyhose, and sand. Denver Art Museum: Purchased with funds from the Contemporary Collectors’ Circle with additional support from Vicki and Kent Logan, Catherine Dews Edwards and Philip Edwards, Craig Ponzio, and Ellen and Morris Susman, 2020.566.1-3. © Senga Nengudi. Image shown: Installation photography at Sprüth Magers London by Stephen White. Courtesy of Sprüth Magers, Thomas Erben Gallery, and Lévy Gorvy.

Family Activity

Senga Nengudi's art explores the connective tissue between culture and identity. Inspired by her work, this guided activity asks kids to create a short performance artwork that explores an aspect of their identity.

Senga Nengudi: Topologies is organized by the Lenbachhaus Munich, in cooperation with the DAM. Concept and idea by Stephanie Weber, Lenbachhaus. Funding is provided by the donors to the Annual Fund Leadership Campaign, and the residents who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). Promotional support is provided by 5280 Magazine and CBS4.