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Joan Fontcuberta — Couloir Central Electrique; Factoria Camp; Garden (three works)
Joan Fontcuberta

Couloir Central Electrique; Factoria Camp; Garden (three works)

1982

Joan Fontcuberta's "Couloir Central Electrique; Factoria Camp; Garden (three works)" from 1982 presents a compelling triptych of gelatin silver prints, each offering a distinct yet harmonizing perspective on the world. The "Couloir Central Electrique" captivates with its stark, curvilinear tunnel, where artificial light slices through shadow, creating an almost abstract play of form and depth. This image’s architectural precision and dramatic lighting draw the viewer into a highly structured, man-made environment. Adjacent to this industrial precision, "Factoria Camp" plunges the viewer into a nocturnal urban landscape, revealing a shrouded object beneath a tarp, its mystery heightened by the shimmering wet pavement and the textured facade of a nearby building. The scene evokes a sense of quiet observation, hinting at hidden industrial processes. In striking contrast, "Garden" transports us to a lush, natural setting, a vibrant woodland scene with flowering rhododendrons and a prominent tree trunk, inviting a moment of serene contemplation. The intricate details of the foliage and the soft light filtering through the canopy showcase Fontcuberta’s versatility in capturing organic beauty. Together, these three images transcend mere documentation, inviting a deeper consideration of the photographic medium's capacity to shape perception. Fontcuberta, an artist renowned for his critical examination of photographic truth, here offers an early articulation of his enduring concerns. The juxtaposition of man-made structures and untouched nature, of light-filled clarity and shadowed enigma, prompts a dialogue on the various realities photography captures and constructs. This collection, executed early in Fontcuberta's prolific career, showcases his masterful command of the gelatin silver print, demonstrating a rich tonal range and meticulous composition across diverse subjects, making it a significant acquisition for any discerning collector.

Medium
Gelatin silver print
Location
Wright, Chicago, United States

🔨 Auction Lot

Wright: 20|21 Art: The Chicago Edition (July 2022)

July 14, 2022

Estimate: $1,000 to $1,500

Lot 315

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About this work

Joan Fontcuberta, Couloir Central Electrique; Factoria Camp; Garden (three works), 1982

Joan Fontcuberta's "Couloir Central Electrique; Factoria Camp; Garden (three works)" from 1982 presents a compelling triptych of gelatin silver prints, each offering a distinct yet harmonizing perspective on the world. The "Couloir Central Electrique" captivates with its stark, curvilinear tunnel, where artificial light slices through shadow, creating an almost abstract play of form and depth. This image’s architectural precision and dramatic lighting draw the viewer into a highly structured, man-made environment. Adjacent to this industrial precision, "Factoria Camp" plunges the viewer into a nocturnal urban landscape, revealing a shrouded object beneath a tarp, its mystery heightened by the shimmering wet pavement and the textured facade of a nearby building. The scene evokes a sense of quiet observation, hinting at hidden industrial processes. In striking contrast, "Garden" transports us to a lush, natural setting, a vibrant woodland scene with flowering rhododendrons and a prominent tree trunk, inviting a moment of serene contemplation. The intricate details of the foliage and the soft light filtering through the canopy showcase Fontcuberta’s versatility in capturing organic beauty. Together, these three images transcend mere documentation, inviting a deeper consideration of the photographic medium's capacity to shape perception. Fontcuberta, an artist renowned for his critical examination of photographic truth, here offers an early articulation of his enduring concerns. The juxtaposition of man-made structures and untouched nature, of light-filled clarity and shadowed enigma, prompts a dialogue on the various realities photography captures and constructs. This collection, executed early in Fontcuberta's prolific career, showcases his masterful command of the gelatin silver print, demonstrating a rich tonal range and meticulous composition across diverse subjects, making it a significant acquisition for any discerning collector.

Medium
Gelatin silver print
Year
1982
Seen at
Wright, Chicago, United States

Related themes

Industrial, Series, Photography, European Artist, Woodland, Conceptual, Documentary, Male Artist, Nocturnal, Postmodern, Medium Format, Landscape, Gelatin Silver Print, Black And White, Nature, Urban Landscape, Spanish Artist, Triptych, Light and Shadow, Architecture, Figurative, Contemporary

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