Act I: The Birth of Ideas: Death Possibly 1980 - 1981

"Act I: The Birth of Ideas: Death" (1980-1981) by Arthur Tress is a surreal photograph that depicts a human skull placed on a stage. The stage is adorned with a hand-painted backdrop that shows a coastal scene with buildings and a stormy sea. This unsettling juxtaposition of a human skull and a theatrical setting creates a sense of unease and reflection on the nature of life, death, and creativity. The image's title alludes to the idea of creation arising from the end of something else, highlighting Tress's fascination with the intersection of reality and fantasy. The use of a hand-painted backdrop evokes a sense of childhood playfulness and staged performance, adding to the photograph's dreamlike quality.