National Gallery of Art, Washington: Variations on the Theme Possibly 1981 - 1999

Patrizia della Porta created this photograph, Variations on the Theme, using gelatin silver. What strikes me here is how she embraces the stark contrast of black and white, turning architecture into pure form. Look at how the brick wall is rendered, almost like a minimalist grid. Each brick is meticulously captured, yet the overall effect is one of abstraction. The diagonal shadow slicing through the composition adds another layer of complexity. It's not just about documenting a building; it's about playing with light, shadow, and geometry. The little triangle perched on top feels almost like a playful afterthought, a tiny disruption of the otherwise rigid structure. It reminds me a bit of some of the early modernist photographers, like Berenice Abbott, who found beauty in the urban landscape. Della Porta takes this a step further, distilling the essence of a building into a study of shape and tone. For me, it’s a reminder that art can be found in the most unexpected places, if only we take the time to look.