Measure c. 1941

Frank Budash made this piece, titled 'Measure,' using watercolor, graphite, and pen on paper. The piece seems straightforward – a rendering of a simple wooden tool. But think about what it means to measure. To take stock. What are we measuring here, and why? What assumptions are built into the act of measurement itself? As you look, consider the history of standardization, how systems of measurement have been used to classify, control, and even discriminate. Consider the implications of assigning value, of quantifying human experiences, particularly for marginalized communities. Does it create a sense of order, or does it flatten complexity? What do you feel when you see this object, isolated and presented for our careful consideration? How does it invite you to consider your own relationship to measurement and value?