Bob Fichter 1975

This is a baseball card, made by Mike Mandel, it's a small photograph laminated in plastic. What strikes me is the way the stark black and white flattens the image, turning a moment into a graphic emblem. The subject, Bob Fichter, is captured mid-throw, his arm raised, but the lack of depth makes it feel less about action and more about posing. The glove, dark and textured, provides a focal point, contrasting with the flat floral pattern of his shirt. It's like a collage of textures and tones, all pressed onto this small surface. The baseball card format adds another layer – it's both a portrait and a collectible object, blurring the lines between art, sport, and commodity. It reminds me of the work of John Baldessari, who also played with the idea of mass production and image appropriation. Ultimately, this piece invites us to question the value we place on images and the stories they tell.