Catalysis IV (photographed by Rosemary Mayer) 1970

"Catalysis IV" (1970) is a photographic piece by conceptual artist Adrian Piper. The black and white photograph depicts two women seated on a bus in New York City. The woman on the left is Piper herself, and she appears to be suppressing a sneeze with a white tissue. This piece is characteristic of Piper's work, which often explores the experiences of black women in America and confronts issues of racism and sexism. The photograph's candid nature and intimate setting amplify the themes of isolation and alienation, making it a powerful example of Piper's conceptual art.