The knot 

Mihai Olos made “The Knot” from wood, by carving and assembling different pieces. The material is not high art, or high tech, it is wood, a material taken from everyday life. Consider the inherent qualities of the wood: its rough texture, weight, color and form. Notice the way it was carved and assembled, how these processes have imbued the artwork with a sense of social or cultural significance. Olos engaged with the skilled traditions of wood carving. These traditions belong to histories of creative practices and aesthetics, alongside that of craft and fine arts. The amount of work involved in the production process is visible in the attention to detail in the carving, and in the careful assembly of the different components, and speaks to wider social issues of labor and politics. It's important to consider materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.