Pincushion to Serve as Fetish 1965

Curator: Dorothea Tanning's sculpture, "Pincushion to Serve as Fetish," presents us with such a peculiar, almost haunting presence. Editor: My immediate reaction is unease. It's undeniably striking, the black velvet and scattered pins give off a sinister vibe. It feels almost violated. Curator: Yes, the pins disturb the plush velvet body, invoking pain and perhaps, ritual. The artist invites us to consider how objects are invested with power, becoming symbolic repositories of our anxieties and desires. Editor: Absolutely. The title itself throws down a gauntlet, confronting our understanding of fetishes not just as sexual objects, but as charged objects laden with cultural and personal meaning. It feels like Tanning is reclaiming space. Curator: Indeed, Tanning’s piece resonates with an aura of enigmatic power. The form, reminiscent of a distorted animal, speaks to the subconscious, where our deepest fears and fascinations reside. Editor: Looking at this object, I find myself pondering on its place within broader themes of identity, gender, and power dynamics, which Tanning addressed throughout her long, prolific career. Curator: Seeing it now, I'm reminded of how art can serve as a tangible representation of our inner worlds. Editor: And in that regard, it certainly serves its purpose, even decades later.