75V10 Possibly 1973 - 1993

John Divola made this photograph, 75V10, using film, and what I notice first is how the light itself becomes almost sculptural. It's like light is another material. The whole scene is imbued with a stark, almost melancholic, beauty. The starkness of the black and white emphasizes the contrast between the raw, worn surfaces and the ethereal quality of light. The texture of the wall is so evident, with its peeling layers and imperfections, that it’s almost palpable. Look at the way the light falls - there’s a triangle of brightness on the wall, a ghostly presence amidst the decay. The contrast between the geometric shape of the light and the organic messiness of the wall makes the room feel almost alive. This piece reminds me of Gordon Matta-Clark. He embraced the beauty and poetry of dereliction, transforming spaces through simple, yet profound gestures. It makes me think about how we find beauty in unexpected places.