Christopher Williams “Linhof Technika V fabricated in Munich, Germany. Salon Studio Stand fabricated in Florence, Italy. Dual cable release. Prontor shutter. Symars lens 150mmm/f 5.6 Schneider kreuznach. Sinar fresnel lens placed with black tape on the ground glass. (Yellow) Dirk Sharper Studio, Berlin, June 19, 2007, 2008 C-Print Framed: 33 3/4 x 29 1/4 x 1 1/2 inches 85.7 x 74.3 x 3.8 cm Matte Window: 17 1/2 x 13 3/4 inches 44.5 x 34.9 cm Print: 20 x 16 inches 50.8 x 40.6 cm” Courtesy David Zwirner, New York
Christopher Williams’ solo exhibition, “For Example: Dix-Huit Leçons Sur La Société Industrielle (Revision 7),” is currently on view at David Zwirner Gallery. The artist makes a concerted effort to remove himself from all actions that usual define a photographers relationship to his subject.
By laying out meticulously specific instructions for assistants to capture images in his stead, the artist asserts that the camera is not an extension of himself. The artist’s process is made evident through the lengthy titles that accompany the stark images.
One finds that, for Williams, the camera is a means by which an image conceived of entirely in the artists mind is made material. Williams process is clearly integral to the understanding of his work and makes an interesting commentary on the not only the means but the meaning of artistic action.
Christopher Williams “Cutaway model Nikkor zoom lens 50 -300mm f/4.5. Focal length: 5-300mm. Maximum aperture: 1:4:5. Lens construction: 20 elements in 13 groups. Picture angle: 46°(f=50mm) – 8° 10′(f=300mm.) Distance scale: Graduated in meters or feet up to 2.5m (8.5 ft.) to infinity. Aperture scale: f/4.5-f/22. Aperture diaphragm: Fully automatic. Meter coupling prong: Integrated (fully open exposure metering.) Focusing: By turning the focusing ring. Zooming: By turning the zooming ring (reference markings for 50, 60, 70, 85, 105, 13, 200, 250 NS 300mm.) Attachment size: 95mm (P=1.00.) Filter: 95mm screw-in. Fabricated by Andre Benschop, Veldhoven, The Netherlands. Douglas M. Parker Studio, Glendale, California, October 13, 2007 – October 29, 2007, 2008 Gelatin silver print Framed: 33 5/8 x 37 1/8 x 1 1/2 inches 85.4 x 94.3 x 3.8 cm Matte Window: 17 3/4 x 21 3/4 inches 45.1 x 55.2 cm Print: 20 x 24 inches 50.8 x 61 cm” Courtesy David Zwirner, New York
Installation view of For Example: Dix-Huit Leçons Sur La Société Industrielle (Revision 7) Courtesy David Zwirner, New York
Christopher Williams’ “For Example: Dix-Huit Leçons Sur La Société Industrielle (Revision 7)” will be on view through March 29 at David Zwirner, New York located at 525 West 19th Street New York, NY.
David Zwirner Gallery [Zwirner New York]
Christopher Williams at Museum of Modern Art Bologna [e-flux]
