Lorna Simpson (American, born 1960). <em>Counting</em>, 1991. Photogravure and silkscreen, 73 1/4 x 37 1/2 in. (186.1 x 95.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Ellen and Daniel Shapiro, 2002.58. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.58_bw_SL3.jpg)

Lorna Simpson (American, born 1960). Counting, 1991. Photogravure and silkscreen, 73 1/4 x 37 1/2 in. (186.1 x 95.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Ellen and Daniel Shapiro, 2002.58. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.58_bw_SL3.jpg)

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Could you please tell me more about this work?

Simpson is known for juxtaposing text with her photographs to address cultural and historical conceptions of gender and race.

In this work, she presents us with images of an African American woman, a brick hut, and braids, each of which is underscored by counting.The meaning is deliberately open ended, forcing the viewer to puzzle out it’s possible meanings.

Yeah the piece really makes you want to decipher it. Like the time ranges too. It’s tough to take myself away from it. I just want to figure it out. It definitely leaves an impression and makes you think!

Exactly. The work is likely making a reference to women’s labor and slavery. The time slots could imply workshifts. The texts on either side of the house allude to the beginning of slavery when the smokehouse was once used as a slave hut. Finally, the bottom register makes a direct reference to black hair.

What about "Counting" by Lorna Simpson?

Lorna Simpson's photo works like these are intended to be somewhat ambiguous. The text provides a suggestion of how to look at it, but still doesn't quite tell you what it's about.

These text-photo juxtapositions are her signature style and force the viewer to puzzle over their meaning.

Counting

Photography

On View: American Art Galleries, 5th Floor, Counterparts

ARTIST Lorna Simpson, American, born 1960

PUBLISHERS Brooke Alexander, Inc.; Josh Baer Gallery

MEDIUM Photogravure and silkscreen

DATES 1991

DIMENSIONS 73 1/4 x 37 1/2 in. (186.1 x 95.3 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Photography

ACCESSION NUMBER 2002.58

CREDIT LINE Gift of Ellen and Daniel Shapiro

EXHIBITIONS

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in American Art Galleries, 5th Floor, Counterparts

CAPTION Lorna Simpson (American, born 1960). Counting, 1991. Photogravure and silkscreen, 73 1/4 x 37 1/2 in. (186.1 x 95.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Ellen and Daniel Shapiro, 2002.58. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.58_bw_SL3.jpg)

EDITION Edition: 22/60

IMAGE overall, 2002.58_bw_SL3.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2023

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