image of a male figure, bare chested and wearing underwear, on left; nude statue on right with drapery around shoulders and around PL arm; darkened background; black band along left edge

Untitled (Male Torso with Statue), c. 1936-1939

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Gelatin silver printexpand_more

The Tess E. Armstrong Fundexpand_more  2018.28.1

Not on Viewexpand_more

This work by the Sri Lankan photographer Lionel Wendt, who was originally trained in music and law in the United Kingdom in the 1920’s, displays his interest in and experimentation with portraiture, theater, and photography. Untitled (Male Torso with Statue) is a toned and dark gelatin silver print in which a well-lit white marble sculpture of the ancient Greek god Apollo is juxtaposed with a Sri Lankan man’s torso, posed in a similarly theatrical manner. The work speaks to the artist’s interest in classical art and homoeroticism as well as his familiarity with soft-focused pictorial photography and experimental works that draw influences from Surrealism, an art movement in which the subconscious mind and dream analysis have essential roles.

Details
Title
Untitled (Male Torso with Statue)
Artist Life
1900 - 1944
Role
Photographer
Accession Number
2018.28.1
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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image of a male figure, bare chested and wearing underwear, on left; nude statue on right with drapery around shoulders and around PL arm; darkened background; black band along left edge