An Icon in my definition, is an object or individual in nature that a majority agree on being of high status or being remember over time. An icon does not exist if it does not have a legacy. Originally, I was thinking about the Freedom Tower, however I realize it’sfairly new, and for a legacy to happen, a good amount of time must be passed for an object, or in this case this skyscraper to achieve an icon status. However, it’s still a very notable symbol of New York and of the United States of America. For the object I will be selecting, it will be the Empire State. The Empire State is a 102-floor goliath of a skyscraper, even in modern times, ever since it was constructed in 1931. This steel framed skyscraper has dominated the New York City Landscape for a long time. From being the Tallest Skyscraper in the world for 41 years; before the World Trade Center North took its place in 1972. To being memorize as the tower King Kong was on, to being sold in a plethora of New York City Tourist Shirt, to being in the title of a classic New York song.It would be definitely wrong to not consider the Empire State as an Icon of our beloved New York City. For a skyscraper to be built almost 100 years and still succeed, proves how New Yorkers defy obstacles to create a tall skyscraper finding loopholes in the system to create a massive skyscraper, and successfully profit off the skyscraper for many years, due to its office space categorization, observation deck, and broadcasting revenue.  

I chose a slice of pizza because it’s a beloved symbol of New York City’s diverse culinary culture. Known worldwide for its thin, crispy crust and flavorful toppings, NYC pizza reflects the city’s vibrant street food scene and multicultural environment. Its quick and easy preparation represents NYC’s fast-paced lifestyle, where people often grab a quick bite on the go. Brought by Italian immigrants in the early 1900s, NYC-style pizza is famous for its large, wide slices that are easy to eat while walking. Over time, it has become a symbol of the city’s immigrant roots, busy life, and food creativity. Today, NYC pizza, often folded in half for easy handling, embodies the city’s innovation, resilience, and energetic spirit.

• Mark Eisenberger

The Commeraw Stoneware Jar was made by Thomas W. Commeraw, a free Black potter in Manhattan in the late 1700s and early 1800s. He worked near the East River and created useful stoneware with decorative designs. His work is special and shows the talent of a free Black artist. He was one of the most active Black potters before the Civil War.

The object I chose was the Balmain military coat because it caught my attention with its combination of black and gold. At first, I thought the object looked like one of Michael Jackson’s flashy costumes because it was bright and stylish. I immediately associated it with his bold and unique fashion sense. But then I realized it was actually a military robe, which is meant to show strength, power, and a bold spirit. The outfit combines modern style with a sense of authority, making it look confident and commanding. Just like Michael Jackson’s costumes made him stand out and feel powerful on stage, this robe also gives off a strong and assertive feel, symbolizing bravery and revolutionary energy.

Jawara Alleyne, “Ensemble”, 2024, caught my eye from the moment I enter this fascinating exhibit. Although I wasn’t expecting a wide varation of different fashion statements and outfits. This one outfit stood out to me. The outfit to me seem very punk style because of its very punk nature with its distressing, safety pins, and patches of cloths. However in the object label it says that he found inspiration in which islanders in the carribeans customize their clothing, repurposing cloths, fabrics, and safety pins. Also the outfit gives off naval unifroms in a very distorted view of a normal naval uniform. The way the clothes are repurposed reminded me of how the Japanese use the traditional patching technique of “Boro” of patching fabrics together and also of how the punk era of “Vivienne Westwood” and the “S** Pistols” had many patches and distressing, for it to seem edgy and eye catching to the normal outfits/style of the time which in this case was a different way of seeing a naval outfit.

For my object, I chose the picture, “Morning Cloak” by Tourmaline. She is also known as Reina Gossett, and is an American artist, filmmaker, activist, editor, and writer. She is a transgender and through her artwork, highlights the experiences of Black, queer, and trans communities and their capacity to impact the world. Many of her paintings, including this one, are self portraits. They draw on Victorian-era pornography and change it in such a way that show the possibility of what black trans women are expected and able to endure. Part of the collection, “Pleasure Garden,” Morning Cloak is likely included in the Afro-futurist room to display a “futuristic,” ideal,” or radicalized version of an African American, one that is queer and has tattoos and challenges the constrictions that African Americans AND the LGBTQ faced at the time. This ultimately conveys the message that African Americans can achieve anything, a theme consistent throughout the room.

Sources:https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/851509 , https://4columns.org/reid-tiana/tourmaline ,

An object that caught my attention were these little gold cuffs I found inside a display case. They caught my attention right away because the fist they make resembles the Black Lives Matter logo as well as representing unity, solidarity, and a fight against oppression. Gold is also a symbol of wealth, and the exhibit as a whole serves to pay tribute to African American culture and the role it has played in shaping modern day fashion. Overall, I thought the object was pretty cool and would pair well with many of the suits featured in the exhibit.