The Cañon of Kanab Creek 1872

Curator: Here we have William Bell's stereograph, "The Cañon of Kanab Creek," taken during the 1872 U.S. Geographical Survey West of the 100th Meridian. Editor: It feels so textural! The stark rock layers almost jump out, despite the subdued tones. You can feel the grit. Curator: Exactly. Bell worked as a photographer for the survey, led by George Wheeler. Images like these were crucial in shaping public perception of the American West, aiding in its "discovery." Editor: It makes you wonder about the labor. Hauling the equipment, mixing chemicals onsite... photography was physically demanding work, part of the larger project of resource extraction. Curator: Indeed. The image offered a vision of untapped potential. Land ripe for development, ignoring indigenous claims. Editor: Even the choice of stereograph, creating this 3-D effect, emphasizes conquering the space, bringing it "closer" to the viewer for consumption. Curator: A powerful tool, both artistically and politically, in its historical context. Editor: It really does highlight the materiality of the land and the process of claiming it.