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Untitled

c. 1932–1939

Theodore Roszak

(American, born Kingdom of Prussia [now Poland], 1907–1981)
Culture
America
Medium
gelatin silver print, photogram
Measurements
Image: 13.9 x 10.9 cm (5 1/2 x 4 5/16 in.); Matted: 45.7 x 35.6 cm (18 x 14 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1989.396
Copyright
© Estate of Theodore Roszak / Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY
This artwork is known to be under copyright.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Only after Roszak’s death did knowledge of a small but important group of photograms created by the sculptor in the 1930s become widespread. He created these unique prints without the aid of a camera- there are no negatives. He instead placed objects directly onto photographic paper and exposed them to light. Using this technique he was able to achieve a remarkable tonal range, from velvety black to right white. Other than wire mesh and sheets of torn paper, the individual objects integrated into this compelling, ambiguous work are difficult to identify. The composition and mood of the photographs, with their emphasis on geometry and abstraction, are similar to Roszak’s constructions of this period.
A horizontally oriented, abstract black-and-white photogram depicts layered geometric and organic shapes. The photogram, made by placing objects onto a light-sensitive material and exposing it to light, creates an X-ray-like quality. In the lower half, a sharp white grid overlays soft, curved white forms. Centered above, a translucent trapezoidal shape floats against a dark background. Faint horizontal mesh textures across the top complete the high-contrast composition.

Untitled

c. 1932–1939

Theodore Roszak

(American, born Kingdom of Prussia [now Poland], 1907–1981)
America

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