Artwork Page for The Autonomous Spiral

Details / Information for The Autonomous Spiral

The Autonomous Spiral

1949 (printed before 1979)

Clarence John Laughlin

(American, 1905–1985)
Culture
America
Medium
gelatin silver print
Measurements
Image: 34.1 x 26.9 cm (13 7/16 x 10 9/16 in.); Paper: 34.1 x 26.9 cm (13 7/16 x 10 9/16 in.); Mounted: 43.3 x 35.5 cm (17 1/16 x 14 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Tom E. Hinson and Diana S. Tittle 2018.254
Copyright
Copyright
This artwork is known to be under copyright.
Location
Not on view
Print
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Did You Know?

The spiral staircase is a common feature of Creole architecture found throughout Louisiana.

Description

Laughlin’s depiction of a staircase transcends architectural documentation to become both a geometric exploration and a dream-like, surreal vision. He gives us a vertiginous view looking up rather than down, warping space through the use of light and shadow and the flattened perspective imposed by his choice of lens.
A black-and-white photograph looking up at a spiral staircase from below. The stark black spiral of the railing contrasts with the square of white light shining through the window and sheer curtains in the lower right.

The Autonomous Spiral

1949 (printed before 1979)

Clarence John Laughlin

(American, 1905–1985)
America

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