Michael A. Smith

American, 1942 - 2018

Explore selected works

The image shows a wide-angle view of a rugged, eroded terrain with hills and valleys. The horizon is not clearly visible, as the landscape dominates the scene. The land features textured, clay-like hills with deep creases and ridges. Each slope presents a pattern of lines. The color palette ranges from light grays to deep blacks, highlighting the contrast between sunlight and shadows. Vegetation is sparse, with scattered shrubs, and the landscape transitions into undulating plains with dry riverbeds in the distance.
Michael A. Smith, Blue Mesa, Arizona, 1978, gelatin silver print, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Angeli Modjeski and Nancy Gallagher), 2015.19.4872

Blue Mesa, Arizona

Michael A. Smith · 1978 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2015.19.4872

This image shows a close-up view of a textured surface, likely a rock face, in black and white. The perspective is direct and frontal, revealing intricate patterns and contours. There is no visible horizon, focusing on the detailed patterns and textures created by natural striations and indentations in the rock. The surface displays vertical and diagonal lines, possibly from erosion or mineral deposits, with an interplay of light and shadow. The image is in a monochromatic style with a grayscale palette, emphasizing the contrast between light and dark sections. Black streaks and shadows add a dramatic visual effect, highlighting the natural artistry of the rock surface.
Michael A. Smith, Canyon del Muerto, Arizona, 1975, gelatin silver print, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Dr. Matthew Monsein), 2015.19.4426

Canyon del Muerto, Arizona

Michael A. Smith · 1975 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2015.19.4426