Column no. 1 & 2 

Editor: This piece, "Column no. 1 & 2" by Oyvind Fahlstrom, appears to be a mixed-media collage using screenprints and graphic art. It strikes me as intensely chaotic and crammed with imagery, like a visual overload. What social commentary do you see embedded in this work? Curator: "Chaotic" is a good starting point. Fahlstrom's work, particularly in his use of collage and screen printing, directly critiques the over-saturation of information in modern society. The "columns," rather than standing as pillars of strength or tradition, become containers for a dizzying array of images and text. What do you think that suggests about how we consume information? Editor: It's almost as if the information becomes meaningless when presented this way. Are there any particular themes or events Fahlstrom was reacting to in his art? Curator: Fahlstrom's pieces are very political. Considering that he produced much of his important work during the Vietnam War, we can view it as an expression of anti-war sentiment and a broader critique of power structures. Note how different visual elements clash and compete for attention. Do you recognize anything specific? Editor: I think I see what might be consumerist symbols mixed with more politically charged images...the overall composition is unsettling. Did Fahlstrom aim to be disorienting? Curator: Exactly! He weaponized visual overload. The work refuses a singular, coherent narrative, reflecting the fragmentation of truth and the manipulation of media narratives during that period, especially during the Vietnam war era. He wanted us to question what we're being told and how we're being told it. How do you think it resonates today? Editor: I see it now – it definitely echoes today’s experience with social media and fake news. I had initially judged the aesthetic appeal only; now it shows how this period and the artist wanted to challenge audiences on a cultural, social and even a global scale. Curator: Precisely. Fahlstrom forces us to engage critically with the bombardment of information. By dissecting his method and reflecting on history, hopefully that helps connect you to the broader political and social landscape!