Lorna Simpson: Hypothetical?

Exhibition Website

Feb 9 2017 - Aug 7 2017

Fisher Landau Center for Art is excited to announce the presentation of Hypothetical? Lorna Simpson’s sound installation including text, a photograph and mouthpieces from wind instruments. First shown in 1993 at the Whitney Biennial, the artwork was purchased directly from the exhibition and has not been on view since her retrospective traveled throughout the United States from 2006-07, organized by the American Federation of Arts.

Hypothetical emerged as a pivotal moment in Simpson’s artwork, creating a physical space where the viewers become active participants. This signaled a major shift from her two-dimensional photo pieces incorporating text, to her first forays into installation based environments. The aural component of Hypothetical is inspired by the constraints of spoken language: silent mouthpieces from wind instruments are installed directly into the wall as sculptural forms, accompanied by hidden speakers projecting the muted sound of labored breathing as if struggling to reach a cohesive melody.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.

  • Installation
  • American
  • 20th Century
  • Lorna Simpson

Exhibition Venues & Dates