Just Passing Through" engages with several important themes in the field of contemporary art. On a surface level, the clean black lines and lack of framing give the impression of a dematerialized artwork, aligning it with the dematerialized art theory of the 1970s. This theory posits that the concept or idea behind an artwork is more important than the physical object itself, and that the artist's intention can be conveyed through means other than traditional materials and techniques. In this case, the simple, graphic design of "Just Passing Through" and its placement on the wall without a frame reinforce the idea that the message of the piece is paramount.
However, "Just Passing Through" can also be interpreted as a commentary on the Situationist International movement and its concept of the derive. The derive, also known as "drifting," was a form of urban exploration that involved aimlessly wandering through the city in order to disrupt the everyday routine and challenge the dominant structures of capitalism and the spectacle. By choosing to pass through the Weatherspoon Art Museum rather than simply walking around it, the artist is subverting the expected norms of movement and behavior in the city. The map-like design and the words "One Place" and "Another" further emphasize this theme of navigating and traversing the urban landscape. Overall, "Just Passing Through" resonates with the anti-capitalist and anti-spectacle ethos of the Situationist movement and its concept of the derive.
Through its engagement with dematerialized art theory and the Situationist concept of the derive, "Just Passing Through" offers a subtle yet powerful critique of modern society. The piece invites viewers to consider the ways in which we navigate and interact with the urban environment, and to challenge the dominant structures that shape our experiences.