A Failed Attempt to Photograph Reality

Artist Duane Michals (American, born 1932)

Dateca. 1975

MediumGelatin silver print

DimensionsImage and sheet: 8 × 10 inches (20.32 × 25.4 cm)

Credit LineGift of Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Object number2005.27.2773

SignedSigned and editioned on sheet recto, center, in black ink: "Duane Michals 9/25"

Inscribednone

MarkingsOn sheet verso, bottom, in pencil: "116-5-84"

Edition/State/Proofed. 9/25

On View

Not on view

Collections

Photography

Terms

DescriptionImage of a handwritten note with artist's signature and edition.Gallery Label

Gallery Label

What is the relationship between a photograph and reality?

Duane Michals offers his response to the question in a handwritten text and presents it as an imageless "photograph." For Michals, photography can document the appearance of a subject but is ultimately unable to convey a deeper truth about it.

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