Patience 1984

Curator: Richard Serra's "Patience," currently residing at the Tate, presents us with a large, imposing plane of black. It’s almost overwhelming, don't you think? Editor: Absolutely. The scale is impactful and the texture appears almost velvety. I’m thinking about the process, the labor involved in creating such a dense, uniform surface. Curator: Serra's work often grapples with weight and space, and this piece is no different. Consider the title: "Patience." It speaks to the artist's process, and to the viewer's experience in confronting such a massive, unyielding artwork. How does it challenge our notions of minimalist art? Editor: It challenges it by emphasizing the material reality. This isn't some ethereal void; it's a tangible thing, made with graphite, built through work. I think about the political implications, too – the art world's fascination with the "hand of the artist," often ignoring the actual hands that make the work possible. Curator: That's a vital point. Serra’s art constantly reminds us of the power dynamics inherent in the art world and the materials that define it. Editor: Exactly. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about labor, materiality, and challenging established hierarchies. Curator: A heavy thought, literally and figuratively. Editor: Indeed, something to keep in mind.