I went to see Kara Walker's installation in the Domino Sugar refinery. On the web site it is described as:
an Homage to the unpaid and overworked Artisans who have refined our Sweet tastes from the cane fields to the Kitchens of the New World on the Occasion of the demolition of the Domino Sugar Refining Plant
There was a short wait outside. The sun was hot and the shift into the cool factory space was noticeable, as was the smell of molasses. The walls were painted in sugar.
Some of the boys made out of sugar have already melted, but others are still standing.
They leave pools of sugar on the floor.
The boys seemed to be watching the viewers.
The sphinx drew everyone towards her, massive even in the large space. It was a lot like a cathedral with the light filtering down from high windows.
Her head was held high in spite of the impossible position of her body. Her eyes were blank, certainly not engaging the viewers.
Some of my favorite details:
Her fist
Her thumb clenched between the fingers of her other hand
Her feet
The installation will be up until July 6
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