Phoenix, Squaw Peak Parkway at Hillery, Looking North 1998

Allen Dutton’s photograph, "Phoenix, Squaw Peak Parkway at Hillery, Looking North," captures a stark landscape in black and white. The composition is dominated by strong diagonal lines of shadow and the verticality of a wall on the right, creating a sense of depth and division. The bridge in the background adds a layer of linear complexity, softened by the cloudy sky. The use of light and shadow is pivotal here, transforming a simple scene into a study of form. The shadow, a large triangle, destabilizes the sense of space, challenging our perception of depth and dimension. This formal interplay invites us to consider the photograph not merely as a representation of a place, but as an investigation into how structures—both built and perceived—define our environment. The photograph operates as a sign, pointing beyond its immediate subject. It reflects a broader cultural discourse on urban planning, environmental impact, and the ways we navigate and perceive the spaces we inhabit. Through its formal qualities, Dutton's work prompts ongoing interpretation of how we construct meaning through the visual world.