Ray Mortenson

American, born 1944

Explore selected works

Ray Mortenson, Amtrak-PATH Bridge and Gas Tank, from the Passaic River, Newark, 1982, 2 gelatin silver prints, Gift of the Charina Endowment Fund in memory of Robert B. Menschel, 2025.17.1

Amtrak-PATH Bridge and Gas Tank, from the Passaic River, Newark

Ray Mortenson · 1982 · 2 gelatin silver prints ·  Accession ID  2025.17.1

The image shows a natural landscape from a slightly elevated point of view. A dirt path curves gently away from the viewer. The horizon is defined by a line of dense trees. The closest tree to the viewer leans over the path with bare branches extending outward. The style is photographic with fine details visible, showcasing texture. The color palette is monochromatic, consisting of shades of gray and sepia. Vegetation fills the scene, with leaves scattered along the path and trees lining the forest beyond. The background shows underbrush merging into the distance, creating an expansive and layered natural space.
Ray Mortenson, Untitled, 1993, platinum print, Gift of Ray Mortenson, 2025.14.2

Untitled

Ray Mortenson · 1993 · platinum print ·  Accession ID  2025.14.2

The image shows an elevated view of an industrial landscape. In the foreground, there is dense vegetation, rocky formations, and a railroad track. Further back, there are dirt mounds, patches of grass, and a large body of water. The background is filled with industrial structures like factories, chimneys, and storage tanks. In the distance, there are faint silhouettes of tall buildings. The image is in black and white, emphasizing the contrasts between shadows and highlights.
Ray Mortenson, Meadowland, 821108-14 Amtrak Hudson Generating Station Jersey City and Manhattan Skyline from Snake Hill (Laurel Hill), 1982, gelatin silver print, Gift of the Artist and L. Parker Stephenson, 2025.46.2

Meadowland, 821108-14 Amtrak Hudson Generating Station Jersey City and Manhattan Skyline from Snake Hill (Laurel Hill)

Ray Mortenson · 1982 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2025.46.2

The image is taken from a low angle close to the ground, showing a body of water reflecting the sky and distant structures. The horizon is above the central area, with open land and tall electrical pylons visible. The pylons intersect with power lines creating diagonal lines in the sky. The scene is in black and white, emphasizing the stark contrasts in textures.
Ray Mortenson, Meadowland 821101-56 Electric Pylons, Dirt in Foreground (821101-5-1500), 1982, gelatin silver print, Gift of the Artist and L. Parker Stephenson, 2025.46.3

Meadowland 821101-56 Electric Pylons, Dirt in Foreground (821101-5-1500)

Ray Mortenson · 1982 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2025.46.3

The image depicts an elevated view of an industrial yard with tracks and scattered materials. The horizon is in the upper section of the image, featuring a flat expanse with a distant bridge. Train carriages line up parallel to the horizon, with industrial buildings and chimneys on the far right. Closest to us, there is industrial debris and materials scattered on the ground. The image is in black and white, emphasizing dark tones and textures. It is a photograph with a monochromatic color palette.
Ray Mortenson, Meadowland, Amtrak, Path, NJ Turnpike and Passaic River from International Salt, Harrison, NJ, 1982, gelatin silver print, Gift of the Artist and L. Parker Stephenson, 2025.46.1

Meadowland, Amtrak, Path, NJ Turnpike and Passaic River from International Salt, Harrison, NJ

Ray Mortenson · 1982 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2025.46.1

The image displays an industrial scene featuring cylindrical tanks and structures of a refinery reflected in water. The horizon aligns with the buildings, and the reflections enhance the symmetry. The style is photographic with sharp lines and a gray palette. In the background, industrial chimneys and metalwork add vertical elements against a cloudy sky. The composition appears balanced, with the reflection adding depth.
Ray Mortenson, Pitt-Consol Chemicals, Newark, 1980, gelatin silver print, Gift of Ray Mortenson, 2025.14.1

Pitt-Consol Chemicals, Newark

Ray Mortenson · 1980 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2025.14.1