Jean Genet c. 1954 - 1955

Editor: So, this is Alberto Giacometti's portrait of Jean Genet. There's an unsettling rawness to it, especially in the frantic lines and earth-toned palette. What's your take on it? Curator: Consider Giacometti's process. The layering of oil paint, scraped and reworked, speaks to a struggle with representation itself. It's not just a portrait; it's a record of the labor involved in trying to capture Genet's essence. Editor: I see what you mean! It does feel more about the act of creation. Curator: Exactly. How does this focus on the means of production affect our understanding of Genet, the subject, and his role as a writer and social figure? Editor: It almost strips away the romanticism of the artist. Food for thought! Curator: Indeed, seeing the materiality foregrounded changes everything.