The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 13, 2025

Pale orange-brown sculpture composed of densely packed, thick, natural fibers and shaped like a woman's head and neck with simplified, geometric features, hair cropped just below the ears, and a long neck.

Miss Spongeface

2003

Helen Escobedo

(Mexican, 1934–2010)
Mexico, M. Contreras, 21st century
estropajo (a vegatable sponge made from the inside of a gourd)
Overall: 28 x 15.2 x 16.5 cm (11 x 6 x 6 1/2 in.)
Gift of Mildred Constantine 2004.62
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

The Mexican sculptor was also the former director of the Museum of Modern Art, Mexico City.

Description

Mexican sculptor Helen Escobedo is known for her monumental, abstract sculptures that are often made with natural materials. Miss Spongeface is unique for its miniature scale and figurative qualities. Using an estropajo, or the fibrous, sponge interior of a vegetable gourd, Escobedo carved her medium into the bust of female figure, and gave it a humorous name, creating a whimsical, distinctive sculpture.
  • Contemporary Art Rotation – Fall 2023. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer) (October 20, 2023-April 7, 2024).
  • {{cite web|title=Miss Spongeface|url=false|author=Helen Escobedo|year=2003|access-date=13 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2004.62