Black Out

I don't like political art. Its shelf-life is extremely short and rarely has it ever affected me emotionally or intellectually. So, needless to say, Jenny Holzer's show, "Archive," at Cheim & Read didn't stand out for me. Holzer's current paintings are blown-up government documents on Guantanamo and Iraq interrogations with large portions blacked out. Aesthetically, I did dig the patterns of the hidden phrases, and I found the work in which most of document is obscured somewhat amusing. I doubt, however, that my reaction was the artist's goal. (Images via Cheim & Read gallery)