Lot 723: CALVIN AND RUBY BLACK (1903-1972, 1915-1982)

Possum Trot Figure (Gladys)
wood, metal, paint and fabric
41 x 14 x 8 in. (104.1 x 35.6 x 20.3 cm.)

Delores Griffin, Holiday Travel Park, Las Vegas

PROPERTY FROM THE ROBERT M. GREENBERG COLLECTION

Drawing on Calvin's previous experience as a ventriloquist and carnival worker, the Blacks created a fanciful environment, indoors and outside, full of sculptures, painted signs and toy-like works. The sculptures were often wired for sound and many of them were displayed on wind-driven merry go-rounds. Their environment became a popular tourist attraction where they lived in the Mojave Desert between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.