"Paranoiac (page from Black Book)" (1989) by Christopher Wool is an enamel drawing on smooth wove paper, measuring roughly 22 ¾ x 15 ¾ inches. It's one of seventeen works from Wool's influential "Black Book" portfolio, known for its exploration of language as a visual element.

Here, Wool departs from the screen printing technique used in other "Black Book" pieces. Enamel paint allows for a more gestural application, with a subtle unevenness that adds a layer of rawness to the stark black word "PARANOIAC" against the white background. The term "paranoid" carries a significant psychological weight, suggesting a pervasive sense of distrust and suspicion. By isolating the word, Wool prompts the viewer to consider its various interpretations. Does it represent a clinical condition, a heightened state of awareness, or a metaphor for the anxieties of contemporary life?

"Paranoiac (page from Black Book)" exemplifies Wool's ability to use language to evoke complex emotions and social concerns. The simple black and white presentation, combined with the loaded word choice, creates a powerful and thought-provoking piece of conceptual art.