Ann Hamilton's "Still and Moving • The Tactile Image" at the Cleveland Museum of Art

Ann Hamilton's exhibition, "still and moving • the tactile image," is currently on display at the Cleveland Museum of Art, running until April 19, 2026. This installation showcases Hamilton's innovative approach to photography, utilizing a handheld scanner to create large-scale pigment prints of rarely displayed objects from the museum's collection, specifically small-scale figurative ceramics and crèche figures dating from the 1300s to the 1800s.

New York Observer

Hamilton's work invites viewers to reconsider the nature of photography and the objects it captures. By employing a scanner rather than a traditional camera, she transforms these historical artifacts into visually striking images that challenge conventional perceptions. The resulting prints, which resemble wall-sized tapestries, evoke a sense of alien culture, merging the old with the new. The textures and proportions of the images create an ambiguous viewing experience, prompting questions about the nature of representation and the act of seeing.

New York Observer

The objects featured in Hamilton's exhibition originate from various countries, including China, France, Germany, and Italy. Despite their historical significance, the exhibition emphasizes Hamilton's artistic vision over the individual narratives of these artifacts. The catalogue accompanying the exhibition includes small photographs of the original objects, allowing them to resonate through Hamilton's interpretation while encouraging viewers to reflect on the hidden treasures within the museum's collection.

New York Observer

The exhibition's catalogue highlights Hamilton's philosophy on the creative process, quoting her reflections on the iterative nature of making art. She describes it as a journey of "circling/ setting out—turning—turning again/starting out again," which underscores her commitment to exploring and redefining the boundaries of photography.

New York Observer

While the exhibition has been well-received for its innovative approach, some critics may argue that the focus on Hamilton's artistic interpretation overshadows the historical context of the original objects. This perspective raises questions about the balance between artistic vision and the preservation of cultural heritage.

New York Observer

• “the process of making is one of circling/ setting out—turning—turning again/starting out again/and this project like others turns around and toward/as it finds its form/again and again.” — Ann Hamilton

New York Observer

Hamilton's "still and moving • the tactile image" not only reimagines the role of photography but also invites a deeper contemplation of the artifacts that shape our understanding of history and culture.

New York Observer