Simone Leigh's sculpture Sphinx (2021) takes inspiration from the legendary mythological creature, typically depicted with the body of a lion and the head of a human, known across Egyptian, Greek, and Asian cultures. But Leigh's version comes with a twist. Instead of the traditional pharaoh’s face, this Sphinx features the face of an anonymous Black woman with afro-textured hair. Leigh often removes clear identity markers from her sculptures, allowing them to represent not just one individual, but a larger collective of Black women.

Without eyes to look into and interpret, the figure invites us to seek connection in different ways. The body, while resembling a lion, is transformed into a bronze structure inspired by a Quonset hut – a mass-produced military barrack from World War II. This gives the sculpture an architectural feel. The royal gold finish nods to the Sphinx of Giza, while also reminding us of the exploitation of valuable resources from African colonies. Though rooted in histories of oppression, Leigh’s Sphinx exudes a quiet, unyielding strength – standing tall and defiant against the weight of the past.