Thanksgiving Turkey/Newspaper

1985-1992

Larry Sultan

Associated Names
Larry Sultan

Artist, American, 1946 - 2009

This is a photograph of two juxtaposed scenes accompanied by text panels. The image consists of two distinct photographs placed side by side. The left photograph depicts a close-up of a partially visible scene where a person is placing a seasoned turkey into a roasting pan. Part of a colorful sweater design is visible along with pale curtains in the background. The right photograph shows a person sitting by a window and reading a newspaper. The sunlight illuminates the newspaper, casting a shadow and creating a warm ambiance. Accompanying each photograph are text panels featuring typed passages. The left text reflects on everyday life and relationship dynamics, touching on trust and feelings about unresolved issues. The right text describes frustration with newspapers cluttering the home, highlighting feelings of emptiness and solitude. These elements create a narrative blending visual imagery with storytelling.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    2 chromogenic prints and 2 screenprinted plexiglass panels

  • Credit Line

    Corcoran Collection (Gift of the FRIENDS of the Corcoran Gallery of Art)

  • Dimensions

    framed (Thanksgiving Turkey): 76 × 91 cm (29 15/16 × 35 13/16 in.)
    framed (Newspaper): 76 × 91 cm (29 15/16 × 35 13/16 in.)
    plexiglass panel (each): 60.96 × 40.64 cm (24 × 16 in.)
    overall: 76.2 × 231.14 cm (30 × 91 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2015.19.4484


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Larry Sultan, Greenbrae, CA; purchased by the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 1995; acquired by NGA, 2015.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2007

  • Looking for the "There There": California Art from the Collection, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, November 21, 2007 – April 13, 2008

2016

  • Intersections: Photographs and Videos from the National Gallery of Art and the Corcoran Gallery of Art, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2016 - 2017, unnumbered catalogue.

Inscriptions

on verso of both chromogenic prints, signed by artist, lower right center in black ink: Larry Sultan

Wikidata ID

Q64156255

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