The Unique Artifacts Series: Alice in Chains Claymation Dolls, c. 1994
Seattle is known as the birthplace of grunge. Groups like Nirvana and Pearl Jam emanate the city’s signature sound, and it’s only fitting that Alice in Chains be featured in its box. What sets them apart from grunge icons like those listed above, however, is that their roots extend beyond punk. Those roots come from the steel-forged, fiery lands of heavy metal, and are combined with those highly demanded grunge and acoustic elements of the early ‘90s. Through haunting melodies, introspective lyrics, and raw emotion, Alice in Chains struck a chord with audiences, exploring themes such as addiction, isolation, and depression. Their willingness to address these issues head-on and share their experiences with their fans has helped to break down stigmas around addiction and mental health in the music industry. Today, both modern metal and grunge bands cite Alice in Chains as a major influence in their success, and their legacy can be heard in the work of artists ranging from Mastodon to Deftones.
These claymation dolls, modeled after each of the band members, were used in the filming of the eerie music video for “I Stay Away”. Through its use of stop-motion animation, puppetry, and live action, the video creates a truly tactile and unforgettable experience that perfectly complements the haunting, ominous music of Alice in Chains.
Come check it out and more in the Seattle section of our Cities & Sounds Exhibit, located in the Ahmet Ertegun Main Exhibit Hall.
