Hamilton’s exhibition articulates the ways in which texts form tangential threads between myriad readers. Sharing a text means moving beyond divisive boundaries to create a shared context—a momentary touch—through the affective power of writing. According to the poet Susan Stewart (a favorite of Hamilton), “The locus of action is not in the text but in the transformation of the reader.”[2] The Common S E N S E points visitors toward the transformative power of touch, through shared texts and takeaway images, as well as through tactile objects and sound.
Objects punctuate the exhibition. Beyond displaying historic manuscripts and specimens in glass cases, Hamilton provides hooks that allow visitors to feel physically and psychologically engaged with the work on view. Throughout her libraries, she provides specially designed wool blankets for readers to take comfort in as they peruse. In a lower-level installation, Hamilton has displayed historic fur and animal-skin garments on gurney-like plinths that require parting a set of curtains in order to take a look.