The Difficulty of Being Loved
Jeffrey Gibson, 2015 (Hudson, NY)
Repurposed punching bag, 89 x 66 x 5 in.
“The repurposed punching bag is a metaphorical reference to ‘a struggle’ which Gibson has used in only 19 other works. Since our first visit Jeffrey has rightfully gained more recognition for his work. Some of his earlier signature art included his punching bag series, and we saw several examples in his studio. At first, I was not drawn to them, but then I touched and read them and they, in turn, touched me. I chose The Difficulty of Being Loved.”
–Harriet Lewis
The Difficulty of Being Loved is a reference to a Nina Simone song, one of the artist’s idols. The repurposed punching bag is a metaphorical reference to “a struggle” which Gibson has used in only 19 other works. The series has become the most acclaimed of his career.
