Asking Quote by Lorna Simpson
“The only thing I can hope the viewer will get from the work is something about the structure of the work. It would be asking too much, I think, for them to get my exact intention. But if - through the construct of language, the way things are juxtaposed - there is some sort of disruption of the way you would normally go about reaching photographic images... if that is happening, that's fine.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Art Talk with Lorna Simpson, 2015
The work aims to reveal structural aspects rather than convey a precise personal intent, using language and juxtaposition to disrupt typical visual perception.
In simple terms: It focuses on structure, not exact meaning, using disruption to challenge viewers.
Embrace structural ambiguity and let disruption guide interpretation.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- gallery exhibition
- art education
- critical discussion
- curatorial planning
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does structural disruption affect your perception of images?
- Can you identify moments where language reshapes visual meaning?
The viewer may still impose personal narratives, limiting the intended structural focus.