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Church Steps and Blacksmith Shop

George A. Tice; Lee Witkin / Witkin Gallery,

Artwork Details

Church Steps and Blacksmith Shop
1965; printed 1971
George A. Tice; Lee Witkin / Witkin Gallery,
gelatin silver print on paper
14 1/8 in x 11 in (35.88 cm x 27.94 cm);19 5/16 in x 14 5/16 in (49.05 cm x 36.35 cm);4 5/8 in x 4 7/16 in (11.75 cm x 11.27 cm)
Gift of the Marvin Felheim Collection
1983/1.295.8

Description

Subject Matter:

This photograph is one of twelve views of the abandoned gold town Bodie, California, that George Tice produced as a portfolio in 1971. The view seen here juxtaposes the wooden steps of a church, pictured from a slightly oblique view, with the façade of the former blacksmith's shop seen in the distance. Tice's clever composition sets up a parallel between the steps and the building in the background, collapsing space so that the two structures appear to be close together and similar in size. While Bodie is significant from a historical point of view as a ghost town that remains largely intact, Tice reveals its formal qualities to be equally fascinating.

Physical Description:

A photograph of abandoned wood buildings.

Usage Rights:

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