About the Work

Family Ark is a grand story divided into three sections—a triptych—that Biggers designed to be shown all together, with the center panel (not shown here) on its own, or with the side panels paired together (see "From the Artist," below, for Biggers' discussion of the side panels as a diptych). Elements of symmetry, geometry, and pattern appear everywhere. 
_{—From Brandywine Workshop and Archives records}

From the Artist

The side panels fit together to form a diptych (two panels). The leopard in the right panel stands with a ceremonial seat fit for royalty on its back. An elephant stands in the left panel. In African mythology, animals are often given exaggerated human traits, some good and some not. One of the animals here is associated with courage and ferocity while the other one possesses dignity, wisdom, and patience.
_{—From Brandywine Workshop and Archives records}