Derrick Adams: Self-Portrait on Float

This vibrant polychrome woodcut by Derrick Adams depicts the artist in a unicorn-shaped pool float, enjoying a moment of aquatic relaxation. It belongs to his series Floaters (2016–), which pictures Black figures lounging in water with inflatable toys. For Adams, play and leisure are important aspects of life that are worthy of representation. With a spectrum of colors making up its mane together with details in gold leaf, the unicorn float pictured here presents a motif that Adams has revisited in other signature works including Funtime Unicorn Spring Riders (2022), sculptures that are designed for active play.