Open Book 

Editor: This is "Open Book," an oil painting by Dan Graziano. It looks like a quick study, capturing a moment of paused reading. What strikes me is the tension between the dark background and the bright pages, suggesting both knowledge and perhaps… concealment? What do you see in this piece? Curator: That tension is palpable. I see the book, and indeed knowledge, as not just a source of enlightenment, but also as a space of privilege, even a battleground. Who has access to these books? Whose stories are told, and whose are left out? Editor: I never thought about it that way. The book on top *is* very prominently displayed. Curator: Exactly. Consider the composition. The open book rests almost precariously atop a stack. It’s literally elevated, suggesting a hierarchy of narratives. Does this artist intend for us to think critically about the role of literature? Is this meant to signify the stories or histories that overshadow or erase other accounts, other experiences? Editor: That makes me see the pencil in a new light too, it could also represent who gets to *write* the story… So the books are more than just passive objects. Curator: Precisely. They become active participants in a dialogue about power. Think about the historical context, too. Who was this artist speaking to? Whose gaze are we invited to adopt as we contemplate these books? Even something seemingly neutral is ripe with socio-political commentary. Editor: I hadn't considered how something as simple as a still life of books could speak to broader social issues, or power dynamics, or inclusion! Curator: Art is rarely simple, is it? Hopefully, it provides insight into how artists have the potential to reveal unseen narratives that are relevant even today.