Telephone Picture EM 3 1923

This ‘Telephone Picture EM 3’ was made by László Moholy-Nagy, who dictated the work to a sign painter over the telephone. The medium is oil on aluminum. The smooth, reflective quality of the aluminum contrasts with the matte flatness of the oil paint, emphasizing the mechanical precision and industrial aesthetic of the work. Moholy-Nagy likely chose these materials to challenge traditional notions of artistic skill. He was interested in the potential of industrial production to democratize art and break down the barriers between the artist's hand and the final product. The seemingly simple geometric forms, arranged according to the artist's instructions, highlight the concept of reproducibility and question the value of originality in art. This piece reflects the social and political context of the early 20th century when artists were grappling with the impact of technology and mass production on society. Moholy-Nagy’s ‘Telephone Pictures’ encourage us to consider the role of labor, authorship, and the changing relationship between art and industry.