Untitled 2002

Editor: This is Ann Hamilton’s "Untitled" print. It’s stark, almost claustrophobic, with that concentrated light in the center. How do you interpret this stark composition? Curator: Note the stark contrast, the division of the pictorial plane. The dark ground dominates, emphasizing the small rectangle of light. It creates a tension, a push and pull, between figure and field. This tension, not any overt subject matter, is the work's primary content. What do you make of the texture? Editor: I see the graininess; it emphasizes the materiality. I hadn't considered the texture. Curator: The artist’s intentional use of visual language reveals a sophisticated formal structure. Every element contributes to the overall aesthetic experience. Editor: I learned that focusing on the formal elements opens up a whole new way to experience art.