This MCA exclusive trinket box was created in celebration of the exhibition Faith Ringgold: American People. Featuring Faith Ringgold's artwork, Black Light Series #7: Ego Painting, 1969, this trinket box can hold your jewelry or small mementos. 

This artwork displays eight right-angled triangles in flat shades of red, dark blue, grays, and dark brown. Each of the triangles holds words in tapering capital letters in Ringgold’s own typography spelling the words “America,” “Black,” and “Ringgold.” While the words “America” and “Black” appear twice each, the artist’s own last name, “Ringgold,” appears four times.

Explaining the artwork title, Ego Painting, Ringgold decides to assert herself by making her last name prominent and becoming the subject of the painting. Referring to a custom that developed in European art during the 15th century where artists sign their name in cursive to their artwork to be acknowledged for their creativity, Ringgold is proudly announcing herself in her work. 

Faith Ringgold: American People at MCA Chicago November 18, 2023 - Feb 25, 2024.