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

Patrizia della Porta made this photograph of the National Gallery of Art in Washington using traditional black and white film. It is a study in light, shadow, and architectural form. Notice how the geometry of the building is emphasized by the high-contrast print. The parallel lines, radiating triangles, and central star-shaped hub convey a strong sense of order and rationality. This is no accident; the building itself, and by extension della Porta’s image of it, is a product of careful planning and skilled labor. From the architect I.M. Pei, to the construction workers and the photographers, many hands, and minds were involved in its making. The building’s abstract design becomes a celebration of human ingenuity. By photographing it, della Porta draws attention to the relationship between art, architecture, and the built environment. It challenges us to consider the social and cultural significance of these spaces, and the labor required to create them.