Girl Putting on an Earring 1967

George Segal made "Girl Putting on an Earring" out of plaster and mixed media, crafting a quiet moment of reflection. Imagine him, building up the form, layer by layer, the plaster hardening like thoughts solidifying. There's a raw vulnerability in the figure, a kind of unpolished honesty. The plaster, thick and textured, emphasizes the tactile nature of the work. I wonder if Segal felt like he was giving form to something deeply felt but hard to grasp? The simple act of putting on an earring—a tiny gesture of self-adornment—becomes monumental. Segal’s work reminds me of other artists like Kiki Smith, who also explore the body with such directness. There is an ongoing dialogue and exchange of ideas across time, inspiring one another’s creativity. In its imperfections and its quiet presence, the piece encourages me to embrace the beauty of the unfinished and the unspoken.