Six Ear Drawings (Complementary Colors) (H.175-H.180), 2007

Six Ear Drawings (Complementary Colors) (H.175-H.180), 2007 by John Baldessari is a fascinating example of the artist’s conceptual engagement with form, color, and the human body. Known for his irreverent and intellectual approach to art, Baldessari explores the relationship between imagery and meaning in this series of six drawings that focus on the ear as a visual subject. The title references complementary colors, a nod to the influence of color theory on Baldessari’s work, while the ear itself, an organ of perception, becomes an abstracted vehicle for artistic expression.

In Six Ear Drawings, Baldessari plays with the conventions of portraiture by isolating a single feature—the ear—suggesting a shift in focus from the traditional depiction of the face. The use of bold, contrasting colors highlights his interest in the way colors interact and their ability to shape our perception of an image. By reducing the ear to a graphic form, Baldessari invites viewers to question how meaning is constructed from isolated details and how color can evoke emotional and intellectual responses.

This work, created in 2007, reflects Baldessari’s ongoing exploration of the intersections between high art and everyday imagery, a hallmark of his career. His use of humor and irony is evident in this series, as the absurdity of focusing solely on an ear challenges the viewer’s expectations and prompts a deeper reflection on the nature of representation in art.

Six Ear Drawings (Complementary Colors) is a museum-quality piece that exemplifies Baldessari’s influence on conceptual art. His playful, intellectual approach to imagery, color, and meaning continues to challenge conventional narratives, making this series an important contribution to his diverse and thought-provoking body of work.