The Fraenkel Gallery in San Francisco, which I frequent 3 or 4 times a year, represents Misrach so I had the opportunity to see portions of "On the Beach."
From the National Gallery of Arts:
...these photographs speak of the unease and sense of foreboding that pervaded the country after the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The title of the series, On the Beach, is drawn from Nevil Shute's cold war novel about nuclear holocaust.
Sorry but if that was what Misrach was trying to portray, It didn't work in my opinion. The images were huge and flawlessly executed, even kind of artsy, but I saw no reference to 9/11.
I'd rather see the desert on fire, that's Misrach.
Sorry but if that was what Misrach was trying to portray, It didn't work in my opinion. The images were huge and flawlessly executed, even kind of artsy, but I saw no reference to 9/11.
I don't think Misrach was trying to portray anything conceptual. It's a really beautiful show. Curators are always spouting nonsensical baloney at us to make the work socially relevant when the photographer only meant to produce art.
I'm glad you enjoyed the show, in DC I assume.
Unfortunately it's that time of the decade, another Presidential election year, with all the political crap that goes with it. Although it's kind of ironic that Misrach's photos of Hawaiian beaches may only remind people that they cannot afford to go the Hawaii. The left coast media are all buzzing about how people are cutting back on their holiday and vacation travel.
I've been so busy lately, I didn't even realize the Misrach show was here. I'll have to haul myself down to the NGA--very soon. I'll see if I can sense the unease and foreboding in his images--if not maybe I can spot a few hotties on the beach.