Bill Dane

Dane, William Thatcher

American, born 1938

Explore selected works

This is a photograph of an empty courtyard or patio space. The image shows a cemented, rectangular space enclosed by walls on all sides. In the center, there is a piece of black clothing or fabric hung on a wire that stretches across the courtyard. Shadows are visible, adding depth to the scene. On the right is an open door leading to an interior, and to the left of it, a metal basket sits on the ground. The upper part of the image shows a section of railing and strands of wire. A cardboard box lies against the back wall, partially sitting on a patch of gravel. The overall tone is grayscale.
Bill Dane, Tijuana, Mexico (The “hospital” where Garry died), 1984, gelatin silver print, Gift of Sandra S. Phillips, 2022.140.12

Tijuana, Mexico (The “hospital” where Garry died)

Bill Dane · 1984 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2022.140.12

This is a photograph of a performance stage with an individual performing a headstand near the edge. The audience is seated in tiered seating, observing and interacting. Objects like clothing items are scattered on the stage floor. The walls are adorned with decorative panels. The focus is on the act and the engaged audience.
Bill Dane, Los Angeles, 1982, gelatin silver print, Gift of Mary and David Robinson, 1995.35.6

Los Angeles

Bill Dane · 1982 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  1995.35.6

This is a photograph of an elephant lying on the ground. The image shows the back and hind legs of the elephant on a rough, textured pavement. The elephant's skin appears wrinkled and textured. Nearby, there is a small stroller. The composition includes other elements in the scene, indicating interaction with the elephant. The photograph is in black and white.
Bill Dane, Oakland (Kneeing elephant), 1976, gelatin silver print, Gift of Sandra S. Phillips, 2022.140.13

Oakland (Kneeing elephant)

Bill Dane · 1976 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2022.140.13

This is a photograph showing a couple walking beneath a large traditional rope decoration. The image displays a vertically hanging rope structure with plaques featuring Japanese characters. The rope has a mesh around its lower end containing small pieces of paper or light debris. In the background, there is a textured wooden or stone columned structure. The ground is bare, highlighting the emphasis on the rope and its traditional context.
Bill Dane, Tokyo, 1974, gelatin silver print, Gift of Sandra S. Phillips, 2022.140.18

Tokyo

Bill Dane · 1974 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2022.140.18

This is a photograph of a carnival scene featuring a performer and signage. A young person is standing on a wooden platform holding a deck of cards in front of their face, while another person is nearby holding either a microphone or drink. Large banners in the background advertise a "Fat Lady" and "Bearded Lady" sideshow attractions. The lighting on the left side of the image enhances the theatrical atmosphere. The black-and-white color scheme adds to the vintage feel of the image, capturing a moment from a traditional fair or sideshow.
Bill Dane, Sacramento (“Fat Lady” circus act), 1972, gelatin silver print, Gift of Sandra S. Phillips, 2022.140.16

Sacramento (“Fat Lady” circus act)

Bill Dane · 1972 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2022.140.16

The image shows a large tree trunk in the foreground, slightly off-center to the right. The tree's bark stands out against the background of dense foliage. The scene is full of lush greenery with various trees creating a canopy that extends into the distance. The photograph is in black and white, accentuating the contrast between light and shadow in the woodland environment.
Bill Dane, San Diego (Eucalyptus tree being watered), 1972, gelatin silver print, Gift of Sandra S. Phillips, 2022.140.14

San Diego (Eucalyptus tree being watered)

Bill Dane · 1972 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2022.140.14

The sculpture is a painted wooden cutout representing a figure in Western-style attire. The figure wears a cowboy hat, fringed jacket, boots, and has a hand pointing in one direction. The sculpture is mounted on a concrete base and is located outside a row of white, flat-roofed buildings on a paved area. A shadow of the sculpture is visible on the ground.
Bill Dane, Baker, California, 1971, gelatin silver print, Gift of Sandra S. Phillips, 2022.140.15

Baker, California

Bill Dane · 1971 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2022.140.15