Smog Translations
The Smog Translations respond to the contradiction between the pure sky and landscape that are part of North America's history (as it is typically presented), and the reality of our polluted skies.
The first Smog Translations of landscapes from a museum's collection, were shown in American Air, Abeles' solo show at the Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin College in 1994, organized by Lucinda Barnes, Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art. Abeles created Smog Translations of photographs by Margaret Bourke-White, Lois Conner, and other selections from the museum's collection. In 2000, Abeles translated Hudson River School paintings from the Arizona State University Art Museum's collection that portray idealized American landscapes.
 |
Thomas Doughty's "Ideal Landscape" in Thirty Days of Smog 2000 We remember these landscapes, and more importantly, we involuntarily call upon this type of image when we hear terms like "nature" or "landscape". By contrast, the Smog Collectors materialize the reality of the air we breathe.
|
|
|