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Collage of five diverse artworks from the Hammer Museum Collections side by side. From left to right: 1) Contemporary painting of two embracing figures with surreal elements. 2) Post-impressionist style painting of trees with vibrant blues and greens. 3) Black and white illustration of a face with intricate patterns. 4) Japanese woodblock print style image of a figure in a checkered robe. 5) Photograph of a couple dancing, the woman in a black dress and the man in white

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Digital Archive Take It or Leave It: Institution, Image, Ideology
Art Nayland Blake, Dual Restraint
Dual Restraint, by Nayland Blake, 1990

Nayland Blake, Artist
Dual Restraint , 1990

Medium
Canvas, brass, plastic
Dimensions
144 x 144 x 12 in. (356.8 x 356.8 x 30.5 cm)
Credit Line
Collection of Ruth and Jacob Bloom. Installation view at the Hammer Museum, Los Angeles; photography by Brian Forrest

Dual Restraint is an oversize straitjacket designed to accommodate two bodies. Its sagging form suggests wear and tear, and its empty compartments make room for psychic projection, encouraging viewers to imagine themselves or someone else occupying the uninhabited spaces. It is not an entirely unwelcome proposal: even though Dual Restraint mimics a disciplinary garment, intended for physical control, it also conveys elective intimacy—suggesting that two people might choose to be in such a profoundly confined space together.