Ground Gypsum, Terra Alba 

Curator: Here we have "Ground Gypsum, Terra Alba," produced by U.S. Gypsum Co., a material sample residing in the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: My initial impression is one of stark simplicity. The geometry of the box and jar, the limited palette, it's all very contained. Curator: Indeed. Consider the implications of presenting a manufactured material within the context of art. It challenges traditional notions of authorship and artistic skill. Editor: The juxtaposition of raw material and manufactured form is interesting. There's a tension between the natural origins of gypsum and its industrial processing. Curator: Furthermore, the label itself becomes an integral part of the artwork, referencing the commodification of resources and the corporate influence on artistic practice. Editor: Looking closely, one can appreciate how the texture of the gypsum catches the light, creating subtle variations within the limited color range. Curator: Ultimately, this piece prompts us to question the boundaries of art, industry, and the environment. Editor: A minimalist study, perhaps, in industrial aesthetics and material essence.