Vija Celmins' "Blackboard Tableaus," created between 2007 and 2015, represent a fascinating exploration of perception, replication, and the interplay between found and fabricated objects. This series consists of paired blackboards, one of which is an original found object, while the other is a meticulous replica created by the artist. The medium typically includes wood, acrylic paint, alkyd oil, and pastel, among other materials.

One of the notable pieces in this series is "Blackboard Tableau #1" (2007-2010), which comprises three found tablets and seven made objects. These works invite viewers to closely examine the subtle differences between the original and the replicated blackboards, thus blurring the lines between reality and artifice. This examination challenges the viewer to discern the nuances that distinguish the handcrafted replicas from the mass-produced originals, a process that highlights Celmins' extraordinary attention to detail and her ability to mimic textures and imperfections authentically (SFMOMA) (Matthew Marks Gallery).

The use of blackboards in this series can be interpreted as a meditation on the concept of a "blank slate," symbolizing potential and the beginning of a creative process. Celmins' choice to replicate such mundane objects underscores her interest in elevating the everyday to the level of fine art, a theme consistent throughout her career. The Blackboard Tableaus also continue her long-standing exploration of themes like memory and perception, as the viewer's task of distinguishing between the original and the replica becomes a metaphor for the act of remembering and interpreting visual information (Home | Cleveland Museum of Art) (SFMOMA).

In pieces like "Blackboard Tableau #14" (2011-2015), Celmins furthers this exploration by incorporating found objects and fabricated items that are so meticulously crafted that they invite repeated close inspection. The artist's process involves using materials like alkyd oil, acrylic, and pastel on wood, enhancing the tactile and visual authenticity of her works. By pairing the blackboards and encouraging viewers to identify which is which, Celmins plays with the viewer's expectations and perceptions, making them question their understanding of what is real and what is recreated (Matthew Marks Gallery).

The "Blackboard Tableaus" series is a profound examination of the boundaries between original and copy, reality and representation. Through her meticulous craftsmanship and conceptual depth, Vija Celmins invites viewers to engage deeply with the ordinary, transforming it into a subject of profound artistic inquiry. This series continues to be celebrated for its innovative approach and the philosophical questions it raises about art and perception (Home | Cleveland Museum of Art) (SFMOMA) (Matthew Marks Gallery) .