Winding Towers

1972

Bernd and Hilla Becher

Associated Names
Hilla Becher

Artist, German, 1934 - 2015

Bernd Becher

Artist, German, 1931 - 2007

Two black and white photographs show an industrial structure, possibly a mine shaft tower. The photographs capture the same structure from different angles, at ground level. The structure consists of a large tower with a framework supporting an upper platform. One photograph is slightly off-center to the right, showing more of the building complex on the left, while the other focuses directly on the tower. The horizon line is low, just above the roof of surrounding industrial buildings and vegetation. The monochrome palette emphasizes the contrast between the industrial elements and the sky. The photographs display intricate details of steel beams and brick buildings forming the structure's base against a clear sky backdrop.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    2 gelatin silver prints mounted on paperboard

  • Credit Line

    Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (left sheet): 24.1 x 24.1 cm (9 1/2 x 9 1/2 in.)
    overall (right sheet): 24.1 x 20.6 cm (9 1/2 x 8 1/8 in.)
    overall (mount): 27 x 54.6 cm (10 5/8 x 21 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1994.17.3


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Dorothy and Herbert Vogel, New York; gift to NGA, 1994.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1994

  • From Minimal to Conceptual Art: Works from The Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Collection, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1994, no. 16.

1997

  • From Minimal to Conceptual Art: Works from the Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Collection (NGA National Lending Service Exhibition), The Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art (formerly Archer M. Huntington Art Gallery), University of Texas, Austin, 1997.

  • From Minimal to Conceptual Art: Works from the Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Collection (NGA National Lending Service Exhibition), Portland (Oregon) Art Museum, 1997.

1998

  • From Minimal to Conceptual Art: Works from the Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Collection (NGA National Lending Service Exhibition), Tel Aviv Museum of Art, 1998.

  • From Minimal to Conceptual Art: Works from the Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Collection (NGA National Lending Service Exhibition), Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art, Turku, Finland, 1998..

Bibliography

1994

  • From Minimal to Conceptual Art: Works from The Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Collection. Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1994: no. 16.

Inscriptions

lower left in graphite: COOLING-TOWERS / STEEL-WOOD; lower right in graphite: For the Vogels / from the Bechers

Wikidata ID

Q64145248

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