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William Garnett , (Dec 27, 1916–Aug 24, 2006)

Plowed Field, Arvin, California

1952
19 5/16 x 15 1/2 in. (49.1 x 39.4 cm)

Medium and Support: Gelatin silver print

Credit Line: Museum purchase

Accession Number: 2015.1

Commentary

Experiments in aerial photography began within two decades of photography’s invention in 1839. Early photographers used hot air balloons, kite cameras, and even carrier pigeons to take photographs from the air. In the mid-20th century, William Garnett was one of the first photographers to take aerial images with artistic intent. He piloted airplanes himself and would point his lens straight down, creating a flattened picture plane. The resulting abstract photographs capture the beauty of natural and cultivated patterns in the land.

Exhibition List

This object was included in the following exhibitions:

The Deception of Perception: Exploring Distortion and Ambiguity in Photography [Phillips Academy Art 300] Addison Gallery of American Art , 11/15/2016 - 3/5/2017
Contemplating the View: American Landscape Photographs Addison Gallery of American Art , 9/8/2018 - 3/3/2019
Free Association: New Acquisitions in Context Addison Gallery of American Art , 9/1/2023 - 2/11/2024

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