This statuette, which depicts the torso of a nude woman in cast bronze, was created as part of a larger project headed by Robert Graham, simply known as MOCA Torso (1992-1995). Forgoing traditional depictions of the female nude through softness, modesty, and implied vulnerability in the manner of Greco-Roman sculpture, Graham intentionally chose to render a form with broad, squared shoulders. The lack of a face emphasizes the musculature of the torso, and the figure’s stance exhibits confidence, imbuing the image of the nude with a sense of natural strength and capability.
As part of a series consisting of over 3,500 individual works, this piece not only reflects Graham’s dedication to rendering the female nude, but also his devotion to the community of Los Angeles. In the wake of the LA Riots of 1992, Graham was motivated to establish a bronze casting workshop, training and employing at-risk youth to create works similar to this statuette, which were then sold to benefit the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, of which Graham was an artist trustee.
Description written by Emiliana Dar Santos, 2025.