Mark Klett

American, born 1952

Explore selected works

The image depicts a landscape with barren hills extending into the distance. The horizon is elevated, emphasizing the undulating terrain. The hills show signs of erosion with striations and subtle undulations. A looping track is visible on the surface. The black and white photograph highlights contrasts and creates a stark visual impact. There is no vegetation or man-made structures present, giving a sense of isolation and timelessness.
Mark Klett, Dirt Bike Loop, West of Henryville, Utah, 1991, gelatin silver print, Gift of the UBS Art Collection, 2023.30.100

Dirt Bike Loop, West of Henryville, Utah

Mark Klett · 1991 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2023.30.100

The image shows a landscape as seen through a large format camera's ground glass back. The horizon line is low in the scene, with a rock formation contrasting against the sky. The edges of the camera, the photographer's hand and wrist, frame the shot. The image is in black and white, emphasizing textures in shades of gray. Shadows and light blend softly, highlighting tactile qualities. The edges outside the camera are slightly blurry, resembling a camera's hood. The composition has a vintage feel, with handwritten notes at the top stating "Monument Valley" dated 5/21/89.
Mark Klett, Under the Dark Cloth, Monument Valley, May 27, 1989, gelatin silver print, Gift of the Collectors Committee, 1996.102.1

Under the Dark Cloth, Monument Valley, May 27

Mark Klett · 1989 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  1996.102.1

The image shows a cactus in the foreground, towering over the landscape. In the background are mountains silhouetted against the sky. The photo is in black and white, emphasizing the contrast between light and shadow. The scene captures a desert environment with sandy terrain and sparse vegetation stretching towards distant mountains.
Mark Klett, Longest Day: Last Light of the Solstice, Carefree, Arizona, June 21, 1984, gelatin silver print, Gift of the Collectors Committee, 1996.101.1

Longest Day: Last Light of the Solstice, Carefree, Arizona, June 21

Mark Klett · 1984 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  1996.101.1

The image shows a view from underneath a large natural rock arch, capturing both the arch and the landscape beyond. The horizon is low in the image, emphasizing the arch overhead and extending the viewer's gaze towards a distant, flat landscape. The rock arch's texture is smooth and detailed, visible in grayscale. Clouds lightly scatter the sky. The image is monochromatic, using varying shades of gray for depth and contrast. A small figure in the distance provides scale against the arch and surroundings.
Mark Klett, Beneath the Great Arch, near Monticello, Utah, 6/21/82, 1982, gelatin silver print, Gift of Sandra S. Phillips, 2022.140.8

Beneath the Great Arch, near Monticello, Utah, 6/21/82

Mark Klett · 1982 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2022.140.8

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Bibliography

1984

  • Klett, Mark, Ellen Manchester, and JoAnn Verburg. Second View: The Rephotographic Survey Project. Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1984.

1986

  • Traces of Eden: Travels in the Desert Southwest. Boston, 1986.