Block Arrangement 2012

Editor: This is Cameron Platter's "Block Arrangement" from 2012, a contemporary sculpture constructed from wood. The rough-hewn texture gives it a raw, almost primal feel, like it was just unearthed. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see an engagement with the deconstruction of societal norms and the structures that define them. Platter's use of wood, a natural material, is juxtaposed with the geometric, almost architectural shapes of the blocks. Does this resonate with any contemporary socio-political movements for you? Editor: Well, the precariousness of the stack makes me a little nervous. It feels deliberately unstable. Curator: Precisely. The precarious balance challenges notions of stability and order. The hollowed-out interiors could represent a void or absence, a commentary on the superficiality of certain societal structures or perhaps a critique of the very idea of “home” within unequal societies. Think about how concepts of shelter and safety are often fraught with social and economic disparities. Editor: So, it's not just a pile of blocks, it's more about what the blocks represent culturally. The missing centers open up possibilities. Curator: Absolutely. And the choice of raw wood - its inherent imperfections - invites contemplation about authenticity, challenging mass-produced homogeneity, and connecting to conversations about sustainable artistic practice and responsibility. Editor: I never considered that! So it critiques the societal and art world simultaneously, prompting discussion about value. Curator: Exactly. Understanding this, what possibilities for action and creative engagement does it ignite within you? Editor: That’s powerful. I’ll definitely be looking at assemblage art with new eyes now! Curator: As will I. The connection between material, form, and cultural critique provides a strong, intersectional approach to the work.