[no title] 1987

Curator: This haunting print, by Jake Berthot, presents a stark study in contrasts. Editor: It's immediately evocative. The dark, almost oppressive background makes the hand seem vulnerable, almost reaching out. Curator: Indeed. Berthot, who passed in 2014, engages here with a minimalist aesthetic, but the subject matter – a hand – is laden with historical art associations, notably the tradition of portraits where hands are important indicators of class and refinement. Editor: And yet, this hand feels disconnected, raw. Stripped bare of any social context. It’s a universal symbol, perhaps, of vulnerability, or of reaching out for connection in a world that often feels isolating. Curator: Berthot's choice of stark black and white reinforces that sense of isolation, drawing our focus to the delicate lines that define the hand itself. A study of the self perhaps, given the artist's history of introspection. Editor: Exactly. It reminds us that even in the most desolate landscapes, the human form persists, seeking meaning and connection. This piece really resonates on a personal level. Curator: A powerful piece. Reflecting on the artist's own life experiences, this work adds layers of meaning. Editor: Absolutely. It’s sparked some great thoughts, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to really spend some time to consider it.