Pear c. late 1960s

Editor: So, this is "Pear" by Claes Oldenburg, and it looks like it’s made from painted plaster. It's so simple, but the execution feels really considered. What do you see in it? Curator: It's crucial to consider Oldenburg's broader practice, elevating everyday objects. How does the shift in scale and material—from a perishable fruit to a durable sculpture—affect our relationship to consumption and the commodification of nature? Editor: That's fascinating, I hadn't thought about it that way. It makes you consider the labor involved in creating something so commonplace. Curator: Exactly. By examining the materials and processes, we uncover a commentary on mass production and the art world's role in assigning value. Editor: This has completely changed my perspective on the piece, seeing it as a commentary on consumerism rather than just a simple still life. Curator: And that shift in perspective is exactly the point, isn't it?