Photographs of fourteen glass paintings; sandblast technique c. 20th century

Editor: This is a photograph of Josef Albers' sandblasted glass paintings. The geometric composition is so intriguing. What's striking to me is the emphasis on process. How does the use of industrial techniques influence our understanding of this piece? Curator: Well, the sandblasting process itself collapses the distinction between high art and craft, doesn’t it? It moves away from traditional artistic skill, emphasizing instead labor and materiality in production. Editor: So, the artwork isn't just about the image, but also about how it was made and what that implies about art's relationship with industry? Curator: Precisely! It makes us consider the means of production as integral to the artwork’s meaning, reflecting on the social and economic context of its creation. Editor: I hadn’t thought about it that way. It's interesting to consider the artist's labor this way. Curator: Yes, it shifts our focus from the artist's hand to the industrial process, really challenging traditional notions of art.