Dunking I, 2005 (Primary Title)
Watering (Series Title)
Elijah Gowin, American, born 1967 (Artist)
"I have purposely chosen to utilize tools and methods that question how the personal gesture can survive in a global society increasingly reliant on technology." —Elijah Gowin
Gowin’s Watering series presents individuals and groups of believers engaged in the baptismal ceremony. The grainy surfaces, distorted colors, and dark frames add mystery to otherwise mundane views of an ostensibly ecstatic experience. Gowin combines handcrafted techniques and digital technology to make his work. He begins by using editing software to alter amateur Internet photographs. These new images are then printed as small paper negatives, hand cut, and scanned, producing a distressed and ambiguous final work.
Gowin’s Watering series presents individuals and groups of believers engaged in the baptismal ceremony. The grainy surfaces, distorted colors, and dark frames add mystery to otherwise mundane views of an ostensibly ecstatic experience. Gowin combines handcrafted techniques and digital technology to make his work. He begins by using editing software to alter amateur Internet photographs. These new images are then printed as small paper negatives, hand cut, and scanned, producing a distressed and ambiguous final work.
number 1 from edition of 15
Gift of the artist
© Elijah Gowin
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.