Items Similar to Optimist
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 5
Ted AdamsOptimist1988
1988
About the Item
Listing is for UNFRAMED print. Inquire within for framing.
Edition of 20.
If the exhibition piece is sold or the customer orders a different print size, the photograph is produced upon purchase. Please allow two weeks for production.
Shipping time depends on method of shipping.
Price is subject to availability. The Robin Rice Gallery reserves the right to adjust this price depending on the current edition of the photograph.
Ted Adams’ first solo show at the Robin Rice Gallery juxtaposes surrealism with the documentary art form. What differentiates Mr. Adams’ work from traditional photojournalism is his keen eye for capturing the irony in the events that unfold before our eyes. It is the found objects in everyday life to which Adams is most attuned. He creates a subtle mood and visual mystery that conveys meaning not only from the image itself but also through imagining what exists just beyond the frame.
"I see photography as a way of cropping the world—selectively taking things out of context—which often results in stripping the meaning out of the original subject matter, or at least making the image open to interpretation. It’s the opposite of traditional photojournalism whose intention is to create ‘narrative’ and context rather than discard them."
While he has exhibited artistic photography in a variety of genres, in the past five years he turned his artistic eye inward to reflect a more autobiographical tone. While some people compare his work to that of Robert Frank, Adams finds himself more and more influenced by Larry Clark whose career was built on pictures drawn from his own life and drug-addled friends rather than a specific documentary mission.
The unique presentation of this collection of twenty-three silver gelatin prints enhances the voyeuristic sensibility of Mr. Adams’ work. Each photograph is jewel box in size, measuring 4" x 6" to invite the viewer in to make an intimate appraisal. The craftsmanship of the wide, dark wood frames hearkens back to late 19th-century Shaker design—yet the aesthetic is boldly contemporary, providing a strong backdrop to draw the viewer’s gaze directly to the subject matter.
This artisanship extends to the printing where Adams exhibits his skills in traditional darkroom processes. He shoots mostly with Leica and Nikon 35mm film cameras, preferring the archival qualities of black and white film and primitive analog functionality.
In the invitational image, "Beyond" we see an abandoned building. The eye immediately is drawn to the structure’s one indication of life, a sign reading "Beyond" which glows like platinum in contrast to the forlorn setting. One has to wonder what goes on beyond the shut door. Yet the humor lies in the idea that anything in these surroundings could be in the superlative—beyond the gritty or merely mundane.
Adams’ sarcasm veils an artistic integrity. What seems happenstance and simple, a road sign, a graffiti ridden wall, or a bank of phones, belies the artists uncanny ability to see the interesting in the ordinary. In a second picture, "Solitary", we see the words "solitarily confined" sprawled across a wall. Just to the side of the wall stands a little girl. One might think of the solitary confinement in terms of a jail term or the graffiti an indictment on society. But the surprise lies with the child at play, seemingly free of any constraints at all.
Black and White, American, Urban, Landscape, Signs, Optimist, Fence, Rural
- Creator:Ted Adams (American)
- Creation Year:1988
- Dimensions:Height: 11 in (27.94 cm)Width: 14 in (35.56 cm)
- More Editions & Sizes:16 x 20Price: $1,25020 x 24Price: $1,75030 x 40Price: $3,000
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Framing:Framing Options Available
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Hudson, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: G11121511426
About the Seller
5.0
Vetted Seller
These experienced sellers undergo a comprehensive evaluation by our team of in-house experts.
Established in 1990
1stDibs seller since 2010
121 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
More From This SellerView All
- Family of Elephants, Krugar Park South AfricaBy Robin RiceLocated in Hudson, NYListing is for UNFRAMED print. Inquire within for framing. Edition 1 of 20. If the exhibition piece is sold or the customer orders a different print size, the photograph is p...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Black and White Photography
MaterialsSilver Gelatin
- Sailboats, Dartmouth facing the English ChannelBy Robin RiceLocated in Hudson, NYCURRENT EXHIBITION - runs through September 10th, 2017. Any framed photographs purchased during the show will be available then. If the exhibition piece is sold or the customer order...Category
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
MaterialsSilver Gelatin
- Coney Island, NY 1995By Michael McLaughlinLocated in Hudson, NYRobin Rice Gallery from New York and Bridgehampton comes to Beacon, NY. This year, as part of the Beacon Open Studios 10th Anniversary event, Robin Rice Gallery is proud to present a...Category
1990s Contemporary Black and White Photography
MaterialsSilver Gelatin
- "View to St. Michael's, Mount Penzance 1", Cornwall, UK, 2010By Robin RiceLocated in Hudson, NYListing is for UNFRAMED print. Inquire within for framing. Edition 1 of 20. If the exhibition piece is sold or the customer orders a different print size, the photograph is p...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Black and White Photography
MaterialsSilver Gelatin
- The CityBy Mindaugas GabrenasLocated in Hudson, NYThe Robin Rice Gallery proudly announces SUMMERTIME Salon 2018, an annual photography exhibit featuring gallery artists as well as a few newcomers. This year’s opening reception will...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Black and White Photography
MaterialsSilver Gelatin
- "Cows, Little Dartmouth, Dartmouth, Devon, UK", 2010By Robin RiceLocated in Hudson, NYListing is for UNFRAMED print. Inquire within for framing. Edition 1 of 20. If the exhibition piece is sold or the customer orders a different print size, the photograph is p...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Black and White Photography
MaterialsSilver Gelatin
You May Also Like
- Hyomon, Study 1, Hokkaido, Japan, black and white, limited edition photographBy Michael KennaLocated in Sante Fe, NMHyomon, Study 1, Hokkaido, Japan is a black and white, limited edition photograph by photographer Michael Kenna. Michael Kenna is a master of contemporary photography. Known for c...Category
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
MaterialsSilver Gelatin
- Hillside Fence, Study 6, Teshikaga, Hokkaido, Japan. 2007, black and white photoBy Michael KennaLocated in Sante Fe, NMHillside Fence, Study 6, Teshikaga, Hokkaido, Japan. 2007 is a black and white (silver gelatin print) photograph by Michael Kenna and is signed and numbered. Michael Kenna is master...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Black and White Photography
MaterialsSilver Gelatin
- ParisBy Andy WarholLocated in Santa Monica, CAWork comes with a Certificate of Provenance issued by Christie’s. Stamped on the verso by the Estate of the Artist and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Foundation num...Category
Late 20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography
MaterialsSilver Gelatin
- Paris StreetBy Andy WarholLocated in Santa Monica, CAWork comes with a Certificate of Provenance issued by Christie’s. Stamped on the verso by the Estate of the Artist and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Foundation num...Category
Late 20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography
MaterialsSilver Gelatin
- Wave Goodbye, Black-and-White Photography From the Staten Island Ferry, New YorkBy Roberta FinebergLocated in New york, NYA black-and-white image shot on film, Roberta Fineberg captures on a carefree summer day a child's hand waving goodbye, prophetically at the World Trade ...Category
1990s Contemporary Black and White Photography
MaterialsPhotographic Paper, Photographic Film, Silver Gelatin
- Restaurant InteriorBy Andy WarholLocated in Santa Monica, CAWork comes with a Certificate of Provenance issued by Christie’s. Stamped on the verso by the Estate of the Artist and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Foundation num...Category
1980s Contemporary Black and White Photography
MaterialsSilver Gelatin
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Black Fence
Vintage Black Phones
Silver Vintage Phone
Ted All
Two Little Girl Friends
Retro Phone Silver
19th Century Shaker
Little Girl Reading
Black And White Vintage Phone
Vintage Black Veil
Shaker Box
Film Strip Vintage
Primitive Wood Box
Mr Adjustable
Clark Little
Urban Primitive
Mystery Box Vintage
Mystery Vintage Box