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Visit
Open today 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission is always free

6th and Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20565

Sculpture Garden Extended Hours

Open late until 8:00 p.m. on select nights
Through September 5
Exhibitions & Events
America’s 250th

Celebrating American art and artists
Art & Artists
Open Call

Artists Reimagining the Collection
Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

20 Foot Ladder for any Size Wall [IV]

1979

Vito Acconci

Associated Names

Vito Acconci

Artist, American, 1940 - 2017

Nancy Anello

Printer, American, active 1981

Lilah Toland

Printer, American

Peter Pettengill

Printer, American

Crown Point Press

Publisher

The image depicts a composition of vertical and horizontal lines forming a grid-like pattern on a plain background. The abstract structure resembles a ladder or shelving unit with rectangular sections in between. The lines have a metallic sheen with subtle gradient effects, suggesting a reflective surface or brushed metal. This arrangement evokes familiarity with objects like ladders or window panes while maintaining an abstract quality through its minimalistic design and lack of context.

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Artwork overview

Medium

photo-etching on Rives BFK wove paper
Credit Line

Gift of Kathan Brown
Dimensions

image: 1473.2 x 104.1 cm (580 x 41 in.)
sheet: 73.7 x 104.1 cm (29 x 41 in.)
Accession Number

1997.8.22

The image displays a series of wide, vertical and horizontal bands intersecting to form rectangular shapes in an abstract design. The bands have a light smudging effect creating a soft gradient, giving a sense of depth and texture to the composition. The overall pattern is simplistic and intriguing against a plain background. — 20 Foot Ladder for any Size Wall [I]

Vito Acconci, Nancy Anello, Lilah Toland, Peter Pettengill, Crown Point Press

1979

20 Foot Ladder for any Size Wall

Vito Acconci, Nancy Anello, Lilah Toland, Peter Pettengill, Crown Point Press

1979

The image shows a pattern of parallel horizontal and vertical lines resembling a ladder structure. The lines are arranged in a minimalistic and abstract composition. The shading creates the illusion of metallic bars, playing with light and shadow. The focus is on the simplicity and repetition of form. — 20 Foot Ladder for any Size Wall [II]

Vito Acconci, Nancy Anello, Lilah Toland, Peter Pettengill, Crown Point Press

1979

Artwork history & notes

Inscriptions

(signed and dated on panel I)

Wikidata ID

Q75405556

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