Provenance

Christian Keesee

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The image depicts vertical and horizontal lines intersecting, creating an abstract composition. The vertical lines resemble tall reeds or stalks on a reflective body of water. Two large, flat, angular shapes are also visible, resembling geometric tiles or floating pieces of paper. The combination of natural elements and artificial shapes creates a visual contrast, reminiscent of floating platforms or driftwood in a serene water setting.
Brett Weston, Reeds and Plastic, Norway, 1972, gelatin silver print, Gift from the Christian Keesee Collection, 2023.156.7

Reeds and Plastic, Norway

Brett Weston · 1972 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2023.156.7

The image shows a stark black silhouette of a bare, gnarled tree in the foreground against a textured, light rock face in the background. The horizon is not visible in the composition, which focuses on the vertical expanse of the rock, giving a sense of towering height. The rock wall displays smooth, vertical striations and rough, weathered surfaces that add depth to the scene. The grayscale photograph uses high contrast to highlight the intricate branching of the tree, which extends upwards and outwards across the image, against the craggy surface. The monochrome color palette accentuates the contrast between the dark tree and the light rock backdrop, resulting in a visually striking composition.
Brett Weston, Rock and Tree, Glen Canyon, 1959, gelatin silver print, Gift from the Christian Keesee Collection, 2023.156.5

Rock and Tree, Glen Canyon

Brett Weston · 1959 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2023.156.5

The image shows a network of irregular, web-like lines and shapes creating an intricate cracked pattern. The surface resembles dried riverbed or fractured earth, with shapes resembling interlocking puzzle pieces. Various textures suggest a crusty, hardened surface. Delicate, plant-like shadows overlay the composition, adding depth and complexity.
Brett Weston, Mud Crack, 1954, gelatin silver print, Gift from the Christian Keesee Collection, 2023.156.4

Mud Crack

Brett Weston · 1954 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2023.156.4

This is a photograph of an urban architectural scene featuring a multi-story fire escape against brick buildings with flat roofs. The image is a top-down view of a confined urban space with the fire escape running along one of the walls. The buildings have brick facades and windows, and the fire escape descends in a zigzag pattern. The scene includes a hidden alleyway below, with signs and architectural elements.
Brett Weston, 47th Street, New York, 1945, gelatin silver print, Gift from the Christian Keesee Collection, 2023.156.3

47th Street, New York

Brett Weston · 1945 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2023.156.3

The image shows a coastal landscape with a beach, ocean, and cliffs. The horizon is high in the picture, with textured clouds in the sky. Waves gently wash onto the sand, and a creek meanders towards the ocean. The ocean's surface reflects light, contrasting with shadowed land. The color palette is monochrome, emphasizing light and shadow. Mist rises from the cliffs in the distance.
Brett Weston, Big Sur Coast, 1981, gelatin silver print, Gift from the Christian Keesee Collection, 2023.156.9

Big Sur Coast

Brett Weston · 1981 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2023.156.9

The image features a low angle view of a body of water dense with tall grasses breaking the surface. The horizon is elevated, marked by water meeting distant trees. The trees are covered in mist, appearing soft against the sky. The scene is in monochrome, creating a range of grays. Dark grass silhouettes contrast with light water reflections. The atmosphere is calm, with gradients between misty trees and the water creating a tranquil effect.
Brett Weston, Reeds and Fog, Michigan, c. 1946, gelatin silver print, Gift from the Christian Keesee Collection, 2023.156.11

Reeds and Fog, Michigan

Brett Weston · c. 1946 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2023.156.11

This is a photograph of an adobe building. The image shows the façade of a multi-story adobe structure. The building is made of traditional adobe material, featuring a rustic and textured surface. Light and shadows play across the surface, highlighting architectural elements such as wooden beams and various windows and doors. The overall aesthetic is one of timelessness and cultural richness, showcasing the beauty of historic adobe architecture.
Brett Weston, Adobe, 1971, gelatin silver print, Gift from the Christian Keesee Collection, 2023.156.6

Adobe

Brett Weston · 1971 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2023.156.6

The image shows a densely packed neighborhood with various residential buildings featuring distinct gabled roofs. The horizon shows a slightly hazy view of the ocean meeting the sky, with houses scattered over hills. A central street runs downhill from the foreground to the horizon, flanked by rows of houses on undulating terrain. The photo is in black and white, emphasizing shapes and shadows, with clear details of rooftops and houses. The street's incline adds depth to the scene, leading the eye towards numerous houses and the disappearing street.
Brett Weston, San Francisco Neighborhood, 1939, gelatin silver print, Gift from the Christian Keesee Collection, 2023.156.1

San Francisco Neighborhood

Brett Weston · 1939 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2023.156.1

This image depicts a coastal scene with large rock formations scattered across a beach. The horizon line is low, where the sea meets the sky. In the left side of the image, there is a cliff silhouette, and a tall rock formation stands in the sandy area. The overall color palette is monochromatic, emphasizing contrasts between the dark rocks, the lighter sand, and the textured cloudy sky. Another large rock formation is partially visible in the lower right. The land stretches into the distance, creating a layered effect.
Brett Weston, California, North Coast, 1950s, gelatin silver print, Gift from the Christian Keesee Collection, 2023.156.12

California, North Coast

Brett Weston · 1950s · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2023.156.12

The image shows a bridge made of steel, viewed from a low angle. A concrete pillar extends vertically through the scene, with a horizon of dirt and sparse vegetation. A small building with a cross and a tall smokestack are visible on the horizon. The black and white palette highlights the contrast and geometric forms of the structures against the sky.
Brett Weston, New York, Bridge, Support, Church, 1943, gelatin silver print, Gift from the Christian Keesee Collection, 2023.156.2

New York, Bridge, Support, Church

Brett Weston · 1943 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2023.156.2