Poison

1977

Dennis Oppenheim

Associated Names
Dennis Oppenheim

Artist, American, 1938 - 2011

The image is a multi-part composition consisting of six aerial photographs and a map, along with a text panel. The aerial photographs depict a large word "POISON" spelled out on the ground using a series of glowing red lights, likely magnesium flares, arranged along a highway. The photos show different angles and light conditions, with variations in color tones. The color palette is mostly earth tones with bright red from the flares. The horizon is not visible in the photographs. The map highlights a portion of the landscape with grid patterns and natural features in pastel shades. The map is labeled "NEAR MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA." Below the images and map is a text panel providing information about the work: "POISON. 1977. NEAR MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA. MATERIALS: RED MAGNESIUM FLARES." The composition combines art and documentation of a location and time.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    6 chromogenic prints, 1 US Survey Map, and 1 gelatin silver print

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Niles Lathem

  • Dimensions

    overall (installed): 127 × 381 cm (50 × 150 in.)
    image (chromogenic print; each): 50.7 × 76.1 cm (19 15/16 × 29 15/16 in.)
    overall (US Survey Map): 102.24 × 152.72 cm (40 1/4 × 60 1/8 in.)
    overall (gelatin silver print): 32.3 × 122.5 cm (12 11/16 × 48 1/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2007.110.2.a-h

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Dennis Oppenheim, New York; gift to NGA, 2007.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2025

  • The '70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography: National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, October 6, 2024–April 6, 2025

Inscriptions

panel 1: signed by artist, lower right in blue ink: Dennis Oppenheim 1977
panel 2: on verso, upper center, stamped in purple ink: LOCATION
panel 3: on verso, possibly by artist, center in graphite: [arrow] 5
panel 4: on verso, possibly by artist, lower left in graphite: [arrow] 1 [circled]
panel 5: on verso, possibly by artist, bottom center in graphite: 6 [arrow]
panel 6: on verso, possibly by artist, bottom center in graphite: [arrow] 2
panel 7: on verso, possibly by artist, lower right in graphite: [arrow] 3
panel 8: on verso, possibly by artist, bottom center in graphite: 4 [arrow]

Wikidata ID

Q64146564

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