Skip to main content
5.29.11
5.29.11
5.29.11

5.29.11

Artist (American, born 1947)
Date2011
MediumHandcut newspaper
DimensionsImage: 17 x 11 1/4 in. (43.2 x 28.6 cm)
Support: 17 x 11 1/4 in. (43.2 x 28.6 cm)
Frame: 22 1/8 x 15 13/16 x 7/8 in. (56.2 x 40.2 x 2.2 cm)
Shelf: 5 1/2 x 16 3/4 x 1/2 in. (14 x 42.5 x 1.3 cm)
ClassificationsGraphic
Credit LineGift of Donna Ruff, 2013
Object number2013.30ab
DescriptionNew York Times front page newspaper with Islamic 8-pointed star design cut into it.
Text Entries
Donna Ruff had been working with Islamic designs before the Arab Spring in 2011, so when the newspaper headlines began appearing about the revolts in various nations across the Middle East, her interest in these patterns became timely. Ruff cuts these designs into the front pages of the New York Times reports on these uprisings. Ruff’s interest in design draws us to the surface and how it serves as a metaphor for the lack of in-depth understanding of the political and cultural narratives that circumscribe those conflicts. The fact that her hand-cutting inhibits our ability to read the articles suggests the failings of language and communication. This is particularly relevant for an artist whose family was in the business of recycling paper and whose practice includes book art.
Should always be exhibited on white shelf designed and provided by artist. This is an individual work. It need not be exhibited with the artist’s three other cut-paper pieces in the collection.
On View
Not on view