R.B. Kitaj Possibly 1982 - 1983

Editor: This is Avigdor Arikha's portrait of R.B. Kitaj. It's just lines, really, a very light touch. What do you see in it? Curator: The seeming simplicity masks a complex negotiation of production. Look at the visible labor; the etching process itself, the artist's hand evident in each line. This isn't about some elevated "artistic genius," but about skilled work. Editor: So you're saying the value is in the labor, not the subject? Curator: Exactly! The material reality of the print and the effort involved are crucial. We should consider the social context of printmaking, its accessibility and role in disseminating images. It challenges notions of unique, precious artworks.