Sanforized, #1 1967

Frederick Hammersley created "Sanforized, #1" using paint on canvas. Hammersley’s hard-edge paintings are the product of careful labor, both physically and conceptually. The opaque pigments are smooth and evenly applied, resulting in a satisfyingly crisp, geometric composition of black squares and white space. Now, the title "Sanforized" is intriguing, as it refers to a trademarked process for treating cotton fabric to resist shrinking. This connection to textiles and industry invites us to consider the relationship between Hammersley's art and the world of mass production. While the artwork itself is a unique creation, the title suggests an awareness of standardization and the industrial processes that shape our everyday lives. In this context, the artwork prompts us to consider how the principles of mass production and standardization influence our aesthetic sensibilities. Hammersley invites us to think about the broader cultural and economic forces that shape both art and everyday life.