Object Details
Artist
David Park, born Boston, MA 1911-died Berkeley, CA 1960
Exhibition Label
In Beach Profile Park has reoriented a traditional beach scene ninety degrees, upending the normal orientation of sea and sand. This spatial distortion, which eliminates horizon and sky, reinforces the dramatic contrast in scale between the landscape and the profile. While the distance seems great, the lengthening shadow cast by the small figure on the beach touches the observer’s shoulder, suggesting a connection. The ambiguous relationship between the figures and the truncated space create a sense of mystery.
Modern Masters: Midcentury Abstraction from the Smithsonian American Art Museum, 2008
Credit Line
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Edith S. and Arthur J. Levin
Date
1953
Object number
2005.5.58
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Painting
Medium
oil on canvas
Dimensions
33 3/8 x 29 3/4 in. (84.8 x 75.6 cm)
See more items in
Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
Department
Painting and Sculpture
Data Source
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Topic
Figure group
Landscape\beach
Link to Original Record
Record ID
saam_2005.5.58