Artist
James Casebere (American, born 1953)American, born 1953
CultureAmerican
Titles
- Boats
Date1980
PlaceNew York, New York, United States
MediumGelatin silver print
DimensionsImage: 15 × 18 7/8 in. (38.1 × 47.9 cm)
Sheet: 15 × 18 7/8 in. (38.1 × 47.9 cm)
Mount: 20 × 24 in. (50.8 × 61 cm)
Sheet: 15 × 18 7/8 in. (38.1 × 47.9 cm)
Mount: 20 × 24 in. (50.8 × 61 cm)
Credit LineGift of Fredericka Hunter and Ian Glennie
Object number83.20
Not on view
Explore Further
Department
PhotographyObject Type
and photographing tabletop models that evoke emotions, memories, or
dreams, James Casebere often depicts a world seen through the filter of
advertising, Hollywood, or art of the past. Boats, with its simplified
forms, exaggerated perspective, and strong lighting, recalls the WPA-era murals
he admired in the buildings of Lower Manhattan, where he lived at the time.
Here, a small rowboat is crowded by towering tugboats, freighters, and ocean
liners. Is it a
metaphor for the insecurity of the lone individual hemmed in by overwhelmingly
powerful forces, or is the young artist leading a mighty armada?
Provenance Research Ongoing Exhibition History"Photographic Masterworks: Recent Acquisitions from the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston," Glassell School of Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, January 23–March 4, 1990.
"Past/Present: Photography from the Permanent Collection of The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston," Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, December 8, 1991–February 9, 1992.
“A History of Photography II: Selections from the Museum's Collection,” Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, March 17–July 19, 2015.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
bottom right below image on mount in pencil " Casebere ' 81 "
Cataloguing data may change with further research.
If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.
Alexander Rodchenko
April–May 1926, printed 1994
Gelatin silver print
95.325.8
Keystone View Company
c. 1914
Gelatin silver stereograph
2004.1220.142
