Pre-established Harmony 2012

Editor: Adam Caldwell's "Pre-established Harmony," painted in 2012 with oils, presents a striking juxtaposition. There’s a figure, seemingly selling flora, alongside a nude woman. What do you make of the artist's choices here? Curator: Immediately, I am drawn to the artist's use of oil paint and the layering within the material application. It almost seems Caldwell is exploring how labor, in the form of both the floral vendor and the painter himself, mediates our relationship with representation. The vendor, his work implied through the carrying of foliage, presents an economy and consumption that directly correlates with Caldwell’s use of paint. It brings up many questions surrounding the commodification of the female form, juxtaposed with that of a man selling raw organic matter. How might the vendor be involved with commodifying his vegetation for an eventual consumer? Editor: I didn’t really consider the raw aspect. It’s like nature is ready for transformation and he is involved with it directly. I almost missed it! But he does appear like an older, hard-laboring character. Curator: Indeed! Now, if the male is an interpretation of work and labour, then what is Caldwell speaking about with the subject on the right side? Could it be viewed as labor to be beautiful? What are some traditional methods to alter our bodies into “perfection?” Think in terms of production. Editor: That's fascinating! Considering the context, the raw flowers seem like a comment on mass production, like the painting questions consumerism that may go unnoticed. She, conversely, may be altered for consumerist acceptance by undergoing rigorous transformations. Both highlight the labor and societal expectations imposed on individuals to alter their natural state, I am glad that there's room for that point. Curator: Exactly, and that consideration gives "Pre-established Harmony" much more nuance, prompting viewers to look critically at how production touches all corners of our lives. Editor: This completely changed my perception; I thought they were there as just the "raw" man, and "perfect" woman. I now see them with intention. Thanks for bringing attention to the commodification.