28 – 28

George Widener, 28-28, 2014, mixed media on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Carl and Kate Lobell in honor of Graham Roach, 2015.20.2, © 2014, George Widener
Copied George Widener, 28-28, 2014, mixed media on paper, 48 1⁄4 × 48 1⁄4 in. (122.6 × 122.6 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Carl and Kate Lobell in honor of Graham Roach, 2015.20.2, © 2014, George Widener

Artwork Details

Title
28 – 28
Artist
Date
2014
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
48 1⁄4 × 48 1⁄4 in. (122.6 × 122.6 cm)
Copyright
© 2014, George Widener
Credit Line
Gift of Carl and Kate Lobell in honor of Graham Roach
Mediums
Mediums Description
mixed media on paper
Classifications
Highlights
Subjects
  • Object — numeral
Object Number
2015.20.2
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/2015.20.2

Artwork Description

According to George Widener, numbers can say as much or more than words. As someone with Asperger's syndrome, Widener's mind processes mathematical information at a depth and speed that is profound. He favors a calendar-like format for conveying figures and sums as a language that reaches beyond words.

In 28-28, Widener plays with a connection between the numbers of his own birthdate (2/8), and his then-girlfriend's (4/28), which he also understands as (2 × 2)/28. Widener explains that he sees the numbers in his mind and enjoys envisioning all their possible connections. He called this painting a "portrait/snapshot" of the two of them at that time.