Untitled 2007

Gerwald Rockenschaub made this striking, untitled image using flat fields of colour. These are most likely produced through silkscreening, a technique of applying ink through stencils. The effect is reminiscent of computer graphics, all crisp edges and flat planes of colour. This kind of abstraction has roots in early 20th century art, but here it is updated with a cool, almost digital sensibility. Think of the early days of desktop publishing – when computers offered the promise of democratizing graphic design. Consider how such images changed our sense of value. What was once highly skilled work could be done by anyone with the right software. Silkscreening allows for flat planes of unmodulated color. But there's a kind of labor involved here too, the meticulous layering and application of each color to create this seemingly effortless image. Ultimately, the image asks us to reconsider our relationship to labor, technology and aesthetics. It challenges the division between fine art and commercial production.