Thesentür: Criticism on the Corner Public Art Project Dedication

Thesentür: Criticism on the Corner by artist Theodore A. Harris is a series of minimalist image- and quote-based works that use poetry to confront mainstream art criticism and art history. It aims to look beyond the surface politics of aesthetics and formalism to present art that is not self-referential or to highlight the Black experience in the art history of imperialism. Usually exhibited in contemporary art galleries and museums, these pieces are transformed into public art for this project, engaging anyone passing by, waiting for the 29 bus, or entering the corner store. At first glance, it might look like an ad for Dutchmaster Cigars because of the font and the figures from Rembrandt van Rijn’s painting “The Sampling Officials of the Amsterdam Drapers Guild” (1616), which is actually used on the cigars. But upon closer look, this format serves as a vehicle for a broader discussion on art and art criticism, created to raise questions or make statements that Dutchmen of the era would never have expressed. The project invites the public into a poetic artspeak conversation about the role of art in our lives, emphasizing our daily experiences and how art connects to our local history—especially on that corner. The twelve-week installation features prints in the advertising space, which change every one to two weeks.