Terrors and Pleasures of Levitation #474

1954, printed 1972

Aaron Siskind

Associated Names
Aaron Siskind

Artist, American, 1903 - 1991

Harold Jones

Designer, American

The image shows a person in mid-air, positioned upside down with their head pointing slightly downwards and their feet elevated. The person's body is curled with arms bent and hands forming loose fists. The individual has strong facial features highlighted by monochrome contrast. They wear dark shorts that blend with shadowed areas. The background is stark white, emphasizing the silhouette effect and creating contrast with the person's body. No other objects or jewelry are visible.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    gelatin silver print

  • Credit Line

    Patrons' Permanent Fund

  • Dimensions

    image/sheet: 25.2 x 24.2 cm (9 15/16 x 9 1/2 in.)
    mount: 50.8 x 40.6 cm (20 x 16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2001.67.194

Associated Artworks

See all 10 artworks
The image shows a person in mid-air, captured from below, with limbs spread apart. The person appears to be in motion. The individual's facial features are not clearly visible due to shadows and the angle, and their hair is short and slightly tousled. The person is wearing dark, fitted shorts. There are no visible jewelry or objects being held. The background is a clear expanse with no other elements present, creating a silhouette against a bright sky.

Terrors and Pleasures of Levitation #37

Aaron Siskind, Harold Jones

1953

This is a photograph of a book cover. The cover is a beige or light brown color with minimalistic design. It prominently features black text that reads "AARON SISKIND" at the top, and below it, "Terrors and Pleasures of Levitation". The background has a subtle texture that suggests it's made of some type of cloth or textured paper. The design is simple and elegant, focusing on the text without any additional imagery or embellishments.

Terrors and Pleasures of Levitation

Aaron Siskind, Harold Jones

1972

The image shows a person from mid-thigh upward, captured in mid-air against a plain white background. The person is positioned with their back toward the camera, in a dynamic posture with arms and legs spread out. Their head is tilted slightly to the side, revealing short, tousled hair. The individual is wearing dark shorts, but no other clothing is visible. There are no discernible facial features as the person is facing away, and no jewelry or objects are visible. The background is entirely white.

Terrors and Pleasures of Levitation #477

Aaron Siskind, Harold Jones

1954

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Joshua P. Smith, Washington, DC; NGA purchase, 2001.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1982

  • Chiarenza, Carl. Aaron Siskind: Pleasures and Terrors. New York, 1982: 151.

Inscriptions

all on mount: lower left: #471 1954; lower right: A.S.

Wikidata ID

Q64032398

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