Library of Dust 1165
Photograph
2006 (printed)
2006 (printed)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This C-print photograph is printed on matte surface paper. This image is from a series that shows canisters containing the cremated remains of patients who died in the Oregon State Insane Asylum between 1883 and the 1970s. Variations in the chemical composition of the human 'dust' have caused each copper canister to corrode differently. Here the colour and form of this corrosion suggests the damp recesses of a cave, or the earth seen from space. But the grim basis for these images leads the viewer to consider a different kind of environmental issue: the final resting place of our bodies
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Library of Dust 1165 (assigned by artist) |
| Materials and techniques | C-type photographic colour print |
| Brief description | C-print colour photograph by David Maisel, depicting a corroded copper canister on a black background |
| Physical description | C-print colour photograph, depicting a corroded copper canister on a black background |
| Dimensions |
|
| Production type | Limited edition |
| Gallery label | This photograph is from a series that shows cans containing the cremated remains of patients who died in the Oregon State Insane Asylum between 1883 and the 1970s. Variations in the chemical composition of the human 'dust' have caused each copper canister to corrode differently. Within the series, colour and form suggest the damp recesses of a cave, or the earth seen from space. But the grim basis for these images leads the viewer to consider a different kind of environmental issue: the final resting place of our bodies.(01/2007 - 01/2008) |
| Credit line | Purchased through the Cecil Beaton Royalties Fund |
| Historical context | The canister depicted is one of over five thousand, containing the cremated remains of patients from the Oregon State Insane Asylum , 1883 - 1970. |
| Production | Attribution note: Print is 1 of 1 at this scale, with one additional artist's proof. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This C-print photograph is printed on matte surface paper. This image is from a series that shows canisters containing the cremated remains of patients who died in the Oregon State Insane Asylum between 1883 and the 1970s. Variations in the chemical composition of the human 'dust' have caused each copper canister to corrode differently. Here the colour and form of this corrosion suggests the damp recesses of a cave, or the earth seen from space. But the grim basis for these images leads the viewer to consider a different kind of environmental issue: the final resting place of our bodies |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | E.438-2006 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | January 9, 2007 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSON
