Viewing art is very much about who you are. During every exhibition, my discussions with visitors brings this to light.

Predisposed is a contemporary show, including work that is conceptually united by a focus on multiplicity and time. Each piece is a marker of human precision, dedication, and workmanship. The artists Hyang Cho and K. Nicol (and one piece by Joseph Beuys) have created art that is approachable, quietly intriguing, and provocative.

And here’s why: K. Nicol has two works in the show titled “this is your life…a” and “this is your life…b” (both 2013). These works are large, crisp white sheets of paper, covered with the repeated phrase “this is your life and it’s ending one minute at a time”.

This work is emotionally provocative; I’ve seen its effect on visitors. Even though the work’s appearance is quiet and unassuming, the 5,760 words creating a pleasing vision of waving black and white space on the paper, visitors have in turns been unsettled and depressed, or soothed and quieted by the concept that those words bring to mind.

That one object could contain an idea which elicits such diverse reactions is fascinating. I always have to ask people the why behind their opinion. I’ve had viewers seem to be almost offended that they “wasted their time” reading the repeating phrase. Others, however, have told me how grateful they were to be reminded of the preciousness of life, seeing the dedication and precision of the work as admirable and aspirational, and leaving the piece in a lighter mood than when they first experienced it.

I’d love to hear your impression of it. Predisposed will be on display at the MMA until August 3.

– Teresa Gregorio, Information Officer, McMaster Museum of Art