Untitled (car in driveway) 1943

Editor: Here we have John Deusing’s "Untitled (car in driveway)," a gelatin silver print held at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s a rather ghostly image, almost dreamlike, due to its monochrome palette and use of negative space. What strikes you about its composition? Curator: Indeed. The inverted tones create a compelling interplay of light and shadow, emphasizing form and texture. Note the careful arrangement of elements. The car, centrally positioned, anchors the composition, while the surrounding architecture provides a structured backdrop. The trees, with their stark branches, introduce a dynamic, almost calligraphic element. How does this organization influence your reading? Editor: I see how the negative space makes those elements really pop. I hadn't considered the trees as calligraphic before. Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: My pleasure. It is important to consider the artist's choices when studying art.