Bottle 

Here is an image of a bottle, drawn by Marko Pogacnik. It is, at first glance, a simple outline, but simplicity is deceptive. We may ask ourselves, what does it mean to represent the everyday? What traditions are being embraced or rejected by this choice? In much of the Western art tradition, the depiction of humble objects was a way for artists to demonstrate their skill and innovation. We can look to art history and the social history of art institutions for clues here. Are we looking at a new interest in depicting everyday objects, a move towards simplicity, or perhaps a critique of a consumerist society? As historians, we look at the artist's biography, read exhibition reviews and critical essays, and research the cultural and political conditions of the time. What seems simple can open up fascinating questions about art and its relationship to social and political life.