No Title (Oil Can) 2004

Curator: This intriguing work is by Robert Therrien, often referred to as "Oil Can," and features an enlarged oil can. Editor: The scale! It's monumental, casting an almost austere presence. The chrome finish is incredibly smooth. Curator: Therrien often played with scale to evoke childhood memories and explore themes of domesticity and the everyday. Consider the societal implications of transforming a mundane object into something so imposing. Editor: Yes, the pure geometry is also compelling. The elongated spout reaches skyward, creating a fascinating tension between the familiar and the abstract. Curator: The object's original utilitarian function is almost erased, prompting us to question the role of labor, gendered associations, and the commodification of even the simplest objects. Editor: I appreciate the visual transformation achieved through size and material. The interplay between industrial form and sleekness is very satisfying. Curator: It makes you rethink the politics inherent in simple items that are often overlooked. Editor: Indeed, an insightful encounter that alters perspectives.