SoiL Thornton presents new and existing works, continuing their ongoing exploration of rest. This is the second of three exhibitions: 8 Hours of Work, 8 Hours of Rest, 8 Hours of What You Will dedicated to the theme of LABOR.

The front entrance of the Wattis is obstructed by an inflatable sculpture, with its depth and height matching the exhibition curator, and changing the flow of how visitors typically enter the gallery. By inviting us through the back door, Thornton sets the stage for the viewer to engage in alternative possibilities. Meaning is never fixed and always rooted in context and interpretation. Through the artist’s use of materials and language, visitors can reflect and expand on notions of value, decay, residue, death, and calmness. Like a dream, or a slip of the tongue, Thornton’s works invoke subconscious thoughts, and allow a space and state of rest that is intimate, political, and full of potential.

Labor is on our mind: 8 Hours of Work, 8 Hours of Rest, 8 Hours of What You Will is organized by Daisy Nam, Director and Chief Curator, Diego Villalobos, Associate Curator and Jeanne Gerrity, former Deputy Director, with assistance from Zipporah Hinds, Curatorial Student Fellow. Exhibition design by Robin Beard. Special thanks to Wattis team members: Armaan Mumtaz, Addy Rabinovitch, and MacKenzie Stevens.

This research season is generously supported by Mary and Harold Zlot, Teiger Foundation, The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation, San Francisco Grants for the Arts, and Bloomberg Connects; the Wattis Leadership Circle: Jonathan Gans, Abigail Turin, and Katie and Matt Paige; and the Curators’ Forum. Phyllis C. Wattis was the generous founding patron.