There also is a series of devilish instructions, by artist Olav Westphalen, on how to create what essentially is a fax machine virus.
Other artists are interested in deconstructing iconic images. Bernhard Hildebrandt has faxed over a series of trademarked phrases, such as "Love the air," and "Expect wonders," that invites viewers to guess which products they are advertising. (The answers are, respectively, an allergy medication and a brand of aspirin.)
Matt Sheridan Smith reproduces the "Mona Lisa" but replaces roughly half of that famous painting with white bars.
"What other image can you remove so much from, and still be immediately recognizable?" Hofmann asks.
After leaving Baltimore in December, "Fax" will travel to five other cities around the U.S., where doubtless the exhibit will change yet again.
" 'Fax' incorporates spontaneous, everyday life," Hofmann says. "This exhibit is accessible. The artworks are pinned to the wall, and people can touch them. The preciousness is gone."
If you go
"Fax" runs Saturday through Dec. 20 at the Contemporary Museum, 100 W. Centre St. Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Suggested donation: $5 adults, $3 students. 410-783-5720 or contemporary.org.
