Untitled (exterior of house) c. 1950

This photograph of a house exterior was made by Robert Burian, but we don’t know exactly when. The inverted tones create a high contrast between the house and the surrounding landscape, creating a scene which feels both familiar and otherworldly. The surface of the photograph has a smooth texture, which gives the image a sharp focus. The strong lines of the house create a sense of solidity and permanence, a contrast to the eerie sky. It’s funny how a simple inversion of tone can shift our perception so dramatically, from warmth to the uncanny. Look at the texture of the grass in the foreground: the way that the light catches it, it feels as though you could run your hand across it. This image reminds me of some of the landscape photography of Minor White, who was interested in capturing not just the outward appearance of a scene but its spiritual essence. Ultimately, it's these contrasting ideas that create a sense of harmony and balance to this artwork.