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
George Widener, 28-28, 2014, mixed media on paper, 48 14 × 48 14 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
Date
2014
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
48 14 × 48 14 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
Subjects
  • Object — numeral
Object Number
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.

Works by this artist (9 items)

Edward Hopper, Ryder's House, 1933, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Henry Ward Ranger through the National Academy of Design, 1981.76
Ryder’s House
Date1933
oil on canvas
On view
Edward Hopper, People in the Sun, 1960, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., 1969.47.61
People in the Sun
Date1960
oil on canvas
On view
Edward Hopper, Cape Cod Morning, 1950, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Sara Roby Foundation, 1986.6.92
Cape Cod Morning
Date1950
oil on canvas
On view
Edward Hopper, (Standing Nude), n.d., charcoal on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Exchange with the Whitney Museum of American Art, 1972.16
(Standing Nude)
Daten.d.
charcoal on paper
Not on view