John Baldessari's Raised Eyebrows/Furrowed Foreheads series from 2008 is a profound exploration of human expression and identity through the fragmentation of facial features. In this series, Baldessari continues his investigation into the components that make up the whole, a theme that has been recurrent throughout his career. The works, known for their use of photomontage, painting, and language, challenge conventional interpretations of images by drawing attention to minor details, creating an uncanny juxtaposition of body parts (Art21 Magazine) (ArtBabble).
During the installation of the Raised Eyebrows/Furrowed Foreheads exhibition at Marian Goodman Gallery in New York in 2009, Baldessari shared insights into his lifelong obsession with the distinction between parts and wholes. This interest is evident in his methodical approach to art-making, where he synthesizes different media to question and illuminate the construction of meaning within visual art. By focusing on the isolated features of raised eyebrows and furrowed foreheads, he not only explores the expressive potential of these specific gestures but also reflects on the broader implications of fragmenting human identity (Art21 Magazine).
Baldessari's work in this series is described as creating "transfer images," which are likened metaphorically to holograms for their ability to project a three-dimensional image suspended in midair. This technique reveals his poetics and grammar, which are dedicated to a way of thinking about the world that is stripped of belief and rooted in a conception rather than in a narrative to be taken at face value (Sothebys.com).
Furthermore, the series was part of Baldessari's larger exploration of parts of the body, following series like Noses & Ears, Etc. and Arms and Legs (Specif. Elbows and Knees), Etc. His work from the 1950s, which initially dealt with similar themes of totality, parts, and wholes, serves as the source for these later explorations, showcasing Baldessari's consistent interest in deconstructing and recontextualizing the human form (ArtBabble).