5 Objects in Space 1965 - 1966

Editor: This is "5 Objects in Space" by Joe Tilson. It’s a rather dark print with everyday objects floating in what seems like outer space. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a commentary on consumerism, perhaps even a critique of the space race as a distraction from social inequalities on Earth. These mundane objects, divorced from their function, become relics in a vast, uncaring cosmos. What does "space" mean here? Is it freedom, or abandonment? Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. So, it's not just about space exploration, but about what we value as a society? Curator: Precisely. Tilson's use of everyday objects challenges us to question their inherent worth and consider their role in shaping our identities and aspirations. It reveals how dominant ideologies are often embedded in the mundane. Editor: That's given me a lot to consider. I'll definitely look at it differently now. Curator: Excellent. Art invites us to question, to delve deeper into the narratives that shape our world.