Embedded Files
DESCRIPTION: wall-mounted "light box" display of four historic photographs depicting features of the early oil industry in the Los Angeles area
David Emitt Adams' station art installation uses four direct-positive historic photographs found on discarded 55- gallon oil drum lids. The direct-positive technique used a camera with special paper or a plate, which did not produce a film negative and which produced only mirror-images (horizontally flipped).
Adams' installation is part of the Metro Art Lightbox Exhibition Program. Although Metro lists Adams' installation as temporary, the 2022 station artwork remains installed on the station mezzanine level as of 2026.
Artist's statement: “Photographing the sublime landscape of the American oil industry results in objects that are transformed into meditations on the history of photography as well as the history of this industry – all in the context of the current climate that surrounds our energy consumption.”
David Emitt Adams' station art installation uses four direct-positive historic photographs found on discarded 55- gallon oil drum lids. The direct-positive technique used a camera with special paper or a plate, which did not produce a film negative and which produced only mirror-images (horizontally flipped).
Adams' installation is part of the Metro Art Lightbox Exhibition Program. Although Metro lists Adams' installation as temporary, the 2022 station artwork remains installed on the station mezzanine level as of 2026.
Artist's statement: “Photographing the sublime landscape of the American oil industry results in objects that are transformed into meditations on the history of photography as well as the history of this industry – all in the context of the current climate that surrounds our energy consumption.”
LOCATION: Wilshire / Normandie Station D Line, mezzanine level, 3510 Wilshire Boulevard, Koreatown, Los Angeles, California, USA
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