Studies for Holograms (b)

1970

Bruce Nauman

Associated Names
Bruce Nauman

Artist, American, born 1941

The image shows a close-up of the lower portion of a person's face, focusing specifically on the chin, mouth, and part of the nose. The person is positioned with their head forward, and a finger is pressing upwards into their chin, causing the lower lip to stretch and the teeth to be visible in a circular shape formed by the lips and fingers. The lips and gums are highlighted in a yellow tone, creating a distinctive contrast with the rest of the skin, which is depicted in grayscale. The person's hair is dark and only partially visible on the sides of the image. The image has an overall artistic and stylized appearance. There is no clothing, jewelry, or additional objects visible in this tightly framed shot. The background is a plain white with no distinct features.
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Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

See all 4 artworks
The image shows a close-up of the lower half of a person's face and hands. The person's head is positioned upright, directly facing the camera, with no other parts of the body visible. The facial features include a nose and lips, with the lips being pinched and stretched into an exaggerated shape by the person's fingers on either side. The hands pressing against the face suggest that the person has light skin tone. Short stubble is visible on the chin and jawline areas of the person. The background is a non-descript neutral tone, offering no distinct details or scenery. There is no visible jewelry or other objects besides the person's hands.

Studies for Holograms (a)

Bruce Nauman

1941

The image shows a close-up view of a person's face, where only the lower half is visible. The individual's nose, mouth, and part of the cheeks dominate the focal area. The person is positioned forward toward the camera, with hands placing pressure on their lips, distorting them into a fish-like shape. The skin tone appears pale with a yellow hue, and the lips are highlighted in a similar yellow tone, creating a stark contrast. The hair, partially visible, is dark and blends into the shadowy background. The person is not wearing visible clothing in the portion of the image shown, and no jewelry is present. The background is non-distinct and dark, focusing attention on the facial manipulation at the center of the photograph.

Studies for Holograms (c)

Bruce Nauman

1941

The image shows a close-up of part of a person's neck and lower face. The individual is pulling the skin on their neck with their left hand, which is partially shown at the lower left corner of the image. The hair is dark and partially visible on the left edge. Clothing is not prominently visible. The background is a plain, neutral color with a textured effect. There are no visible pieces of jewelry, accessories, or additional objects.

Studies for Holograms (d)

Bruce Nauman

1941

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Eileen and Michael Cohen, New York; NGA purchase (through Zwirner and Wirth, New York), 2008.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2018

  • Progress and Harmony for Mankind: Art and Technology ca. 1970, University of Maryland Art Gallery, College Park, 2018, unnumbered catalogue.

Bibliography

1989

  • Cordes, Christopher. Bruce Nauman: Prints 1970-89. New York: Castelli Graphics, 1989, p. 116, no. 2.

Inscriptions

signed by artist, lower right in black ink: 1/150 B. Nauman 70

Wikidata ID

Q64145624

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