posterized photographic image
Datecirca 1973
Inventory Number1998-1-1293
ClassificationPhotograph
Subject
Maker
Stephen F. Grohe
born circa 1930
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions3.4 x 57.2 x 50.8 cm (1 5/16 x 22 1/2 x 20 in.)
in frame: 4 x 58 x 51 cm (1 9/16 x 22 13/16 x 20 1/16 in.)
in frame: 4 x 58 x 51 cm (1 9/16 x 22 13/16 x 20 1/16 in.)
Material
Accessoriesgilt frame; magazine clipping taped to back
DescriptionThis is an abstract photographic print in red, gold, and black by Stephen Grohe involving a technique called eight-color posterization, which results in an image that appears to be divided into squares with subtle yet striking gradations of tone and hue. A page clipped from a magazine article about another artist using the same technique is taped to the back of the frame. The clipping describes the methods used to create the image, step by step. Basically, the process involves creating a series of photographic exposures ranging from light density to dark, contact printing all the positives for a complementary set of high-contrast negatives, and then combining them.
The image is mounted on white matte board, and it is in a gilded frame with black edges. The brown paper backing of the frame is ripped. Pasted to the bottom right of the matte board is an index card on which is written what may be a to-do list.
The image is mounted on white matte board, and it is in a gilded frame with black edges. The brown paper backing of the frame is ripped. Pasted to the bottom right of the matte board is an index card on which is written what may be a to-do list.
Signedpenciled on frame's backing: Steve Grohe. Ca. 1973. photographic creation using technique described below
Inscribedwritten on index card attached to matte board, right bottom: To Cambridge / [crossed out] box--with electric motion / [crossed out] Dr. Willard sorts / [crossed out] Letters, etc. / Picture for Grohe;
top center of clipping on back of frame: DANIEL GARSON
American
Date: 1830-1848
Accessories: tarnished brass frame; second porcelain portrait, 1998-1-1168; slip of paper
Object number: 1998-1-1173
American
Date: 1830-1848
Accessories: tarnished brass frame; second porcelain portrait, 1998-1-1173; slip of paper
Object number: 1998-1-1168
Harvard Project Physics
Date: 1962-1972
Accessories: in box tied with strings, with physics diagram (RS 1470)
Object number: RS1471
Jefferson Physical Laboratory, Harvard University
Date: dated 1885
Accessories: wooden frame; information card
Object number: 1998-1-1180
Computer Control Company, Microelectronics Techniques Lab.
Date: circa 1970
Object number: 1994-1-0005
Smith College Museum of Art
Date: dated 1971
Accessories: black frame
Object number: 1998-1-1187
Institute of Geographical Exploration
Date: 1930-1939
Object number: RS1525b