Lorna Simpson Response

Lorna Simpson somewhat reminds me of Glen Ligon. They both focus on the differences that exist among people of different sexes, color, orientation, etc. It is very unique of Simpson, however, to point out the similar struggles that all these different people actually go through that make them seem so alike, as mentioned in the New York Times.

I wouldn’t exactly say that I understand Lorna’s work or message at a first glance. Perhaps the discussions in class will help me understand her thought process better.

One thing that does stand out to me the most is Lorna Simpson’s style of art, photography. Personally it is a style I prefer. Specifically, the fact that her work features the absence of the subjects’ face, draws the attention of the viewer to the composition and the intention and the message in the piece rather than the person being photographed.

On the other hand, when I try to connect the text she adds to her images to “toughen up” the piece of art, I often am left unsure of what it actually says and/or means. The words seem to be of strong significance if she includes them on almost every image, but might be taking away from the interpretation.

I am including one of Lorna Simpson's works "Untitled (melancholy dame/carmen jones)," 2001. I find the text on the images very interesting. As I mentioned early it does not make any sense to me although the words alone seem very powerful and deep.