Is a Mind a Prison 1970

Bob Law created this work, "Is a Mind a Prison," in 1970. It’s a house-shaped plaque inscribed with enigmatic text. Law’s piece invites us to consider the socio-political landscape of the late 20th century, a period marked by Cold War paranoia and the rise of counter-cultural movements. The phrase "We are all suspects" speaks directly to the pervasive atmosphere of distrust and surveillance that defined this era. The text, with its fragmented and surreal imagery, suggests a world where identity is fluid, and reality is questioned, mirroring the sense of disorientation felt by many during this time of rapid social change. The phrase, "Through your grandmother's bedroom," positions domesticity as a space to be transgressed, critiquing traditional gender roles and societal expectations. The mention of "Daddy Longlegs" takes on a deeply personal dimension, evoking our childhood fears. Law’s piece functions as a mirror, reflecting both the anxieties of his time, and the enduring human quest for meaning.