body object series #1, chair Possibly 1984 - 1991

The human body and the material object entwine in the first print belonging to Ann Hamilton’s ‘body object’ series. Born in 1956, the American visual artist Ann Hamilton merges installation, photography, performance, textiles, and conceptualism in order to explore the relationship between the body and its material environment. Created in 1984 and printed in 1991, this photograph depicts Hamilton standing centrally against a studio background. Two simple wooden chairs are attached to the front and back of her body, their seats protruding and extending into the space beyond the human figure. The backrests of the chairs press against Hamilton’s body, flattening her profile and restricting her ease of movement. The monochromatic background, complemented by the artist’s simple outfit of black and white as well as her dark hair, is stark and empty. The squareness of the chairs corresponds to the square proportions of the print itself, creating a satisfying symmetry of frame. The print stands as a record of Hamilton’s multi-disciplinary art piece, immortalising her temporary act of standing between the chairs. The visual aspect of art takes a secondary role in this print, as is evident in the minimalist simplicity of colour and form. Instead, Hamilton places the focus on the symbolic and thought-provoking aspects of the artwork. Conceptual art prioritises the idea of a work over its physical appearance. This encourages the viewer to question their preconceptions of art’s purpose, and erases the boundary between artwork and idea. In this work, Hamilton transforms mundane and everyday objects – the wooden chairs – into thoughtpieces which encourage further consideration. What deeper meaning might Hamilton be expressing through the image of a simple chair? Do you think art should be more visual, or more ideological as Hamilton is suggesting? Editor: Lucy Jude Grantham