Head I 1998

Curator: Looking at Per Inge Bjorlo's "Head I," I'm immediately struck by the palpable sense of unease. Editor: The stark, almost frantic lines certainly contribute to that feeling. The means of production are laid bare; it's a print, exposing the labor involved in its creation. Curator: Precisely. The composition, with its dense network of lines, almost traps the subject. The material itself seems to mirror a psychological state. Editor: I see that, but I'm more drawn to the formal qualities. Note how Bjørlo uses contrasting densities of line to create depth, or the way the subject gazes upward, conveying a sense of longing. Curator: Longing perhaps for escape? The image dimensions are relatively small, yet the effect is monumental in its conveyance of psychological distress within the labor of its making. Editor: Maybe. But consider the power of the visual language itself. Bjorlo manages to evoke such a strong emotional response through such simple means. It leaves an impact on the viewer. Curator: Absolutely. The artist uses the print process itself to evoke feelings that mirror the social contexts we find ourselves in. Editor: Indeed. A truly fascinating piece of work.