Paul Canonici

2013.14.1 – Paul and Joe Canonici grew up in the predominantly African American community of Shaw.  After Joe helped black residents register to vote, segregationists burned a cross outside his general store. Paul created this sculpture from the charred remains.

Paul described the artwork in the following way: “The black charred wood on a black background is in the form of a cross. Charred pieces attached to the surface of the cross suggest the consumed body of Christ. The burnt nails on a white background suggest a torch and hoods. The black and white background is reminiscent of the struggle of the 1960s.”

This artifact is on display in The Struggle for Equality exhibit in the Forging Ahead gallery in the Museum of Mississippi History.