Getty Museum

[Bench] / [Comics, Elliot Point]

Creator

American Photographer · 1886–1958

Artist

> To clearly express my feeling for life with photographic beauty, present objectively the texture, rhythm, form in nature, without subterfuge or evasion in technique or spirit, to record the quintessence of the object or element before my lens, rather than an interpretation, a superficial phase, or passing mood--this is my way in photography. It is not an easy way. > > --Edward Weston In the spri

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Date: 1944
Medium: Gelatin silver print
Culture: American
Department: Photographs
Institution: Getty Museum

What inspired Edward Weston to photograph this dilapidated park bench surrounded by weeds? In many ways, this image resembles a still-life painting. By focusing on a simple, everyday object, Weston invites viewers to contemplate a subject they might otherwise ignore. As the centerpiece of the photograph, the bench is transformed from a commonplace piece of furniture to a graphic study of rhythmic, horizontal bands. The weathered finish and broken bottom band are telling signs of age; like the discarded comics page, they suggest that this park bench has provided a restful stop for many weary visitors.

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