O 2008

Editor: This is "O" by Ann Hamilton. It’s a print of an O shape, but it looks so textured, almost like a piece of clay. What do you see in this piece, considering the material aspect? Curator: Considering Hamilton’s known use of textiles and tactile materials, the print invokes process. Think about the labor involved in creating such texture through printmaking. Is it mimicking another medium, or is it highlighting the capabilities inherent to print? Editor: That makes me think about how this print is presented as a multiple, challenging the preciousness associated with unique art objects. Curator: Precisely. It’s about democratizing art, making it accessible while still emphasizing the labor and materiality involved in its production. It invites us to reconsider the value we place on both the object and the process. Editor: I never thought about a simple print having so many layers of meaning. Curator: Art often speaks volumes through its very construction and distribution.