Flare 1819

This anonymous object, called 'Flare,' consists of three rectangular tiers made of an unknown material. It is both the simplicity and anonymity of the object that can prompt discussion about the social and institutional conditions of its production. The utilitarian design and metallic sheen suggest a functional object, perhaps part of a larger industrial apparatus. What kind of labor was involved in its creation? Was it mass-produced in a factory setting? The lack of ornamentation could imply an emphasis on efficiency. It's intriguing to consider how this practical and potentially mundane item ended up in an art collection. Was it celebrated as an object of design? Or perhaps re-contextualized as art through the choices of an artist or curator? To fully understand this piece, we need to consult a wide range of historical sources, from design catalogs to records of manufacturing. By considering its socio-economic context we can better understand how institutions shape our understanding of what constitutes art.