Detail, Motel Sign. US 62, Depoy, Kentucky
Former TitleMan with Neon Skull Sign, US 62, Depoy, KY
Artist
Jim Dow
(American, born 1942)
Date1975
MediumGelatin silver print
DimensionsImage: 9 11/16 × 7 11/16 inches (24.61 × 19.53 cm)
Sheet: 14 × 11 inches (35.56 × 27.94 cm)
Sheet: 14 × 11 inches (35.56 × 27.94 cm)
Credit LineGift of the Hall Family Foundation
Object number2018.51.33
SignedSigned on sheet verso, bottom, in pencil.
InscribedTitled and editioned on sheet verso, bottom, in pencil: "MAN W. NEON SKULL SIGN, US 62 DEPOT, KY. #1/25" / partially erased: "SKULL LIKE METAL SIGN Location Unknown 1975 ©Jim Dow [illegible]".
Markingsnone
Edition/State/Proofed. 1/25
On View
Not on viewCollections
DescriptionImage of sign depicting a man's face in profile with fluorescent tubes outlining his head, eye, and ear.Gallery LabelThis image features a motel sign in the shape of a man’s profile. The curved neon tubing, which would light up at night, appears more like a human skull during daylight hours.
Dow felt both attracted to and repulsed by the subject. As he notes: “the idea of a neon skull is so irresistible on multiple counts. How could anyone possibly think that a grotesque head with an empty eye socket would bring in customers, particularly at a motel? At the same time, it really is quite beautiful, the thing that is.”
The Hall Family Foundation, Kansas City, MO, 2018;
Their gift to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 2018.
Their gift to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 2018.
Copyright© Jim Dow
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