Everforward
by Gary Paul Simmons
Maker : Gary Paul Simmons (b.1964, New York New York)
Publisher : Permanent Press (New York)
Date : 1993
Medium: Leather, Metallic thread, Satin
Dimentions : Overall : 14 in. x 8 in. x 7 in. (35.6cm x 20.3cm x 17.8cm)
Classification : Sculpture
Credit Line : Museum Purchase
Object Number : 1997.53
Status : On View
Rights : Copyright is retained in accordance with U.S. Copyright laws
Photo Credit : Davis Museum at Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA
Artist
Gary Paul Simmons is an American artist based out of New York City. His work mainly consists of sculptures, erasure drawings, and installations that provide a collective experience of race, class, and culture. 'Everforward' is one of his attempts to point out the xenophobia, racism, and political inequity of African-Americans occurring in the 1990s. The economy was in crisis, police brutality against people of color seemed to happen daily, and the racial tensions were high, as seen by the Yusef Hawkins case and the Crown Heights riots.
Boxing gloves are typically cushioned and are worn by fighters before a match begins. This design prevents the fighter from injuring their hands and minimizes harm to the opponent's face. Each glove has straps that allow for a secure fit.
The piece, titled Everforward, comprises a pair of boxing gloves. The right glove's strap is inscribed with "EVERFORWARD made in USA," while the left glove's strap reads "NEVERBACK made in USA." The gloves are predominantly white, with golden text. The texture appears smooth, featuring a rubbery exterior and a soft interior. The inscriptions are rough to the touch, as they are stitched onto the gloves' surface and bordered by rectangular frames.
The gloves measure approximately 14 in. x 8 in. x 7 in. (35.6 cm x 20.3 cm x 17.8 cm). The materials include leather for the glove's body, metallic thread for the stitching, and satin for the interiors. The gloves are average-sized, predominantly rectangular, with a curved end to accommodate the fingers when the hand forms a fist.
Jack Johnson was the first Black boxing champion, and with his triumph, boxing became more than just a sport—it provided a voice to the oppressed. The choice of white gloves plays a symbolic role, representing the aggressive nature of the sport and evoking the image of blood stains they might bear during a match. This creates a striking paradox with the golden embroidered phrases on a plain white pair of gloves.
The gloves carry personal, political, and cultural significance, encapsulating the sentiment of always moving forward but never looking back. The phrase "Everforward," slightly larger in size, symbolizes the relentless fight of the urban Black community. The piece serves as both armor—offering protection with its satin interior—and a symbol of strength and defiance with its rough exterior.
In conclusion, this is not "just a boxing glove." It represents a movement and a powerful piece of memorabilia, carrying the weight of resilience and bloodshed.
