74V02 Possibly 1973 - 1993

John Divola made this photograph, 74V02, with film, and then his own kind of painting. The marks feel so raw, like hes gone into this abandoned space and turned it into his canvas. Look at how the spray paint sits on the wall – it's almost like he's having a conversation with the space, adding his own layer to its decay. The black and white palette is stark, but it lets you focus on the textures and forms. See the way the light catches the edges of those holes in the wall? It's rough, but there's also something really beautiful about it. Divola’s gesture is so playful, almost rebellious, which makes me think of Gordon Matta-Clark and his building cuts. This piece isn't just about destruction. It is about making something new out of what's left behind. It's about seeing potential in the discarded, and finding a way to leave your mark.