Untitled (Eye with Ant) 1988

Curator: David Wojnarowicz created this intriguing gelatin-silver print, "Untitled (Eye with Ant)", in 1988. Editor: Whoa, instantly unsettling, yet captivating. That magnified eye with what appears to be an old camera lens as the pupil is intense, almost sci-fi, and the tiny ant just makes it creepier. Curator: Wojnarowicz was deeply involved in the East Village art scene of the 1980s and his work often served as a fierce commentary on societal issues, particularly concerning the AIDS crisis and political oppression. This image embodies much of that tension. Editor: Absolutely, I can see that. The stark black and white photography really cranks up the feeling of unease. That mechanical lens right there where the pupil should be feels very cold, impersonal, invasive. It’s like being dissected by observation, you know? Curator: His use of symbolic imagery was pretty central to his artistic expression. Here, the eye, a traditional symbol of perception and truth, is combined with the ant, which often represents insignificance or being overlooked, creating a stark contrast. Editor: It gets you thinking about power, right? The macro perspective suggests someone – or something – is watching closely, analyzing. And that ant, crawling near the lens, highlights our own vulnerability and ephemeral existence in relation to this overwhelming gaze. I mean, it could represent us as insignificant, trying to challenge this huge mechanical eye. Curator: Yes! It speaks to feelings of being under constant surveillance, an increasing theme with social and political implications during that time. His work acted as a form of resistance. Editor: This really burns with a lingering, unnerving energy. So what might seem just bizarre is laced with anxieties that have actually aged well and still feel super relevant today. I’ll think twice before swatting an ant from now on! Curator: It truly encapsulates the sociopolitical turmoil he experienced firsthand, making this piece not only visually striking but also deeply resonant historically. Editor: It leaves me wondering what Wojnarowicz saw when he looked through the lens, or even further what the lens sees. Food for thought!