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Ground Control

Ground Control

© Bill W. Finger

Ground Control
Ground Control
ArtistAmerican, born 1961
CultureAmerican
Titles
  • Ground Control
  • from the series Ground Control
Date2012, printed 2018
MediumInkjet print
DimensionsImage: 24 × 18 1/8 in. (61 × 46 cm)
 Sheet: 28 × 22 1/16 in. (71.1 × 56.1 cm)
Credit LineGift of the artist
Object number2019.52
Not on view

Explore Further

Department
Photography
Object Type
DescriptionBill Finger notes, “Ground Control evolved out of an NPR interview with a scientist discussing the most economical way to send humans to Mars…making it a one way trip.” He continues, “What stuck with me was the sheer number of people asking to volunteer. People with no skill set for space exploration but who truly believe that it is their life calling. Theirs were the minds I wanted to play within and explore.”



Carefully lit and photographed in his studio, Finger’s miniature sets explore the homegrown astronaut’s preparations for Mars. These playful, simulated scenes bring to life the excitement and imagination that space travel inspires.


ProvenanceThe artist, Seattle; given to MFAH, 2019.
Exhibition History"Shooting the Moon: Photographs from the Museum's Collection 50 Years after Apollo 11," Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, July 20–September 2, 2019.
Published References Upchurch, M. "Seattle photographer’s show honors boyhood dreams, Neil Armstrong," The Seattle Times, September 24, 2012. Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Inscribed in black ink, verso, lower right: "Ground Control" 5/9 2012/2018 Canson Platine Fibre Rag // Bill Finger [signed]
Signed in black ink, verso, lower right: Bill Finger

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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