Designed by Ben Rose (American, 1916–2004)
Produced by Ben Rose, Inc. (American, 1946-?)
United States, Illinois, Chicago
Mr. Zebra & Watusi (Furnishing Fabric)
INV-1485
Designed by Ben Rose (American, 1916–2004)
Produced by Ben Rose, Inc. (American, 1946-?)
United States, Illinois, Chicago1983
Mr. Zebra & Watusi (Furnishing Fabric)
Designed by Ben Rose (American, 1916–2004) Produced by Ben Rose, Inc. (American, 1946-?) United States, Illinois, Chicago →Modernismtextileweaving - printed
Date
1983
Medium
Polyester, plain weave; screenprinted
Dimensions
183.2 × 127.4 cm (72 1/8 × 50 1/8 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Rose
The title of this fabric pattern is taken in part from the name of a dance popular in the early 1960s. The Vibrations's 1961 hit song "The Wausi" describes a foot-sliding, shoulder-shimmying, hip-wiggling dance similar to the Twist. The Watusi can be danced solo, and the neon-yellow zebra standing alone behind the leafy green plant stalks suggests the electric and independent spirit of the dance. The Vibrations, however, invite their listeners to join in with the line "Come on, try, sugar pie, keep with the beat, and Watusi, Watusi with me."
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