Red Sphere 1967

Curator: Here we have José Tanig Joya's "Red Sphere," a piece residing here at the Harvard Art Museums, measuring approximately 84 by 66 centimeters. Editor: It looks like a meticulously crafted ball of yarn unraveling, or perhaps a cosmic explosion contained. What is it made out of? Curator: It's ink on paper, a medium allowing for incredibly fine detail. Think about the labor involved in creating such a dense network of lines. This repetitive action becomes part of the artwork's very being. Editor: It's interesting to think about the context of art production and the politics of abstract imagery, particularly in relation to national identity. Was this piece ever considered an expression of Filipino identity, or was it too abstract for such a reading? Curator: It's compelling how Joya challenges the perceived separation between drawing and painting. The sheer density of the ink creates a texture that's almost sculptural. The consumption of art like this encourages us to value the artist's hand. Editor: It certainly forces us to reconsider the value we place on "high art" versus what we might consider "mere" illustration. Curator: A powerful testament to the value of labor and materials. Editor: Indeed. Art history is enriched by such pieces that question our assumptions about what constitutes art.