Building Reflections, New York

Weston’s formal studies focus closely on a subject to remove it from its larger context, and highlight such properties as shape, contour, line, light, and shadow. His early interest in formal studies may have been inspired by the work of artists in his father’s circle in Mexico, such as Tina Modotti, whose photographs are celebrated for revealing the beauty in the quotidian through the abstraction of everyday objects.

Weston used this technique on a variety of subjects ranging from the organic to the inorganic. Some subjects remain identifiable, whereas others are more ambiguous. He employed a number of devices to render common objects strange, such as photo-graphing them from unexpected angles or through reflective surfaces.

Weston captured the urban landscape of New York City on frequent trips there during the latter part of his career. This photograph presents a reflection of a street view in the window of an adjacent building. As in his other formal studies, Weston focused on contrast and shape rather than attempting to document the façade.